children of Israel out of Egypt, He wanted more than a reverent refusal (Ex. 3:
10,11). Moses, like many others in history, first turned down Divine appointment,
saying, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Gideon said to God, “How can I
save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my
father’s house” (Jdg. 6:15). King Saul once asked, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the
smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families…” (1 Sa.
9:21)? The prophet Jeremiah said, “Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth” (Je.
1:6). All these we remember God commissioned to do great things in His name,
yet at one time they felt inadequate and unequipped to perform the God-given
tasks bidden them.
What are doubts, really? William Shakespeare wrote, “Our doubts are traitors,
and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” Doubts are
commonly only felt in the first-person; one’s company may only perceive his
doubts through unconfident body language or speech. Christians should never
doubt, realizing God will only bring about a positive end in whatever situation
they face. Instead of thinking “But I just can’t” we must confidently trust that we
can with God’s help.
Say “I can” to daily tasks.
It’s been said, “They conquer who believe they can” (John Dryden). Parents
teach their adolescent children that achievement comes through experience and
doing one’s best. The student cannot pass a Math test unless she believes in her
abilities and preparation. The laborer cannot build a well-constructed house
unless he is confident in his efforts.
The possibilities are endless once one ascertains the “I can” mindset. Thirty
years ago, who would have dreamed there would be personal computers, iPods
and self-serve checkouts at Wal-Mart? They are available today because someone
said, “I can.” Of course, not everyone is going to win American Inventor, but all
can accomplish much with the right attitude. Think about what good it would do
for you to say and live as if “I can (1) treat my spouse with greater respect and
admiration; (2) show my children greater love by being more involved in their
lives; be more obedient to my parents; (3) share the chores of the household with
the rest of my family; (4) conquer my fears and doubts by looking at life
positively; (5) turn off the television to solicit my family’s input, concerns and
joys, and share with them mine; (6) make time to do everything necessary to
living a healthy lifestyle; (7) create a healthier standing with my teachers or my
employer by acknowledging my weaknesses and mistakes and improving upon
them; and (8) put my desires and needs second to God’s and everyone else’s.
Say “I can” to spiritual endeavors.
The apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me” (Php. 4:13). I do not run through fire, jump from atop a 20-story building or
lie down to sleep on railroad tracks telling myself that this passage applies to
absurdities. Instead, Paul declared his confidence through Christ in times of
affliction (Php. 4:12,14). When time is a commodity hard to come by, can you say
“I can make time to worship God and study the Bible”? What about “I can spend
time today discussing the Bible with my family” or “I can do some spiritual
planting or watering in a sinner’s life”? Had Paul not had a positive attitude,
trusting in God, he could not have surpassed the beatings, imprisonments and
shipwreck. Fortunately, through Christ we can be faithful unto death (Re. 2:10),
endure hardness (2 Ti. 2:3), resist temptations (Ja. 1:12; 1 Co. 10:13), overcome
afflictions (Ac. 20:22-24; Ja. 5:10-15) and emotional trials (Mt. 5:4; 2 Co. 1:4), and
outlive fears (Ps. 34:4). Strictly coming from the sinner’s standpoint, I can do
nothing of my own accord that will earn me heaven; however, I can do Christ’s
will, by which doing He graciously will reward me a home in heaven (He. 11:6;
Mt. 7:21ff).
To say “I can” is the first step in paving a positive future in this world and into
eternity, but it must be reinforced with the deeper commitment – “I will.” The
prophets and apostles learned they could accomplish their responsibilities. Christ
certainly knew He could. Don’t get caught in the Judgment only having said, “But
I just can’t.” Work so you can say the following: “I can be saved.” “I can be a
faithful Christian.” “I can teach the gospel.” “I can live the Word of God.”
