Friends' Favorites - No, I Can't

When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
Mark 2:17 NLT

Moses did it. Gideon did, too. Let's not forget Peter. How many people do you know (maybe yourself included) who tell God 'No, I can't' when He asks them to do a specific task and all because they are all too familiar with their own shortcomings? And some will even go one step farther and list all their limitations in an effort to convince God... as if He doesn't already know! Ha! 

One of Alan Neel's great quotes is - "Christ doesn't call us because of what we've been, but because of what He's called us to be."

I've said it before and I'll say it again, and in all reality, will probably keep on saying it - If there was never going to be a need for forgiveness, the crucifixion of Jesus would never have taken place. This inexpressible gift of mercy is there to move us past our sin. We are the ones distracted by our shortcomings and sin. God isn't. He has a purpose for our lives beyond our sin.

In 2nd Thessalonians, Chapter 1, Paul, Silas and Timothy write, So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.

What will you choose today - fear or your faith?

Prayer:

Father,
           Shine the light of Your Truth on us every time we open our mouths to say, "I can't." It is true that in and of ourselves, we can't, but YOU can - through us - if we'll walk in the measure of faith that You have given us. Your Word declares, This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. Help us to take the leap of faith, relying totally on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

It's a Set Up *

The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 

Exodus 31:1-6 ESV

When God first told Moses to go to Pharaoh, Moses kept spouting excuses as to why he couldn't do that. Who am I to do that? Who are you? I have a speech impediment, I can't speak to Pharaoh or the elders. God assured Moses He made the mouth, He would make it work. Even though Moses couldn’t get past his own inefficiencies, God equipped Aaron to go with Moses. (You can read that part of the story in Exodus, chapters 3 - 4.)

So, here we are in chapter 31, and God has laid out all the instructions for making the mobile Tabernacle, and He has commanded many minute details of Moses and Aaron – neither of whom were capable to do all that He commanded. Moses didn't have the background or ability to create what God had given him to do. So what did God do?  And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you...

How many times has God asked us to do something and we say no because we don't know how? What is God thinking? Doesn't He know my background? Is He setting me up to fail? No! No! And No!

God in His greatness, in His goodness, in His faithfulness, knows what we can and cannot do. However, He doesn’t leave us in our inabilities. If we are obedient to Him, He gives to us everything we need to carry out His plan and purpose for our lives – be it ability in us or the ability of those He puts in our lives.

People fail, that's true. People’s plans fail; but God’s plan never fails. The Word assures us God can NOT fail. No matter what you see; no matter what you hear; no matter who is in leadership on the earth. Even when you don't understand it. God is in control. He has the plan and He HAS set us up! 

To succeed! 

Prayer:

Father,
          Too often, we believe our shortcomings and what we see more than we believe Your Word. Forgive us, O God. Forgive us for doubting You and for questioning Your every move. Lord, we surrender our will and our way to Yours. Help us to remember our walk is a walk of faith, and that faith is in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.