“Lord, do that which only you can do; because I can’t do that which I would do.”I recently heard this quote from a man I admire. If you read to the end of this article, you’ll find out who spoke this pearl of wisdom.
We are surrounded by reminders of our limitations.Whether it’s a relationship that we would see mended; or a country that seems on the verge of collapse because we’ve lost all sense of reasonableness and sanity; or issues in our church which need resolving; or a friend caught up in some addiction or trouble; or…the list goes on and on; we see that which we wish we could fix or do and we are reminded of our many human limitations. Limitations which, if we are wise, force us to call out to the One for whom nothing is impossible. The very reminders of our limitations ought to be reminders to turn to the Creator of all things. Remember, Philippians 4:6 calls us to “…not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
While it’s true that we have limitations, let us remember that there aremany things that we not only can do but are expected to do. If we are believers, we are expected to speak the Truth in love with boldness. We are expected to share the gospel with a lost and dying world. We are expected to love and live at peace with one another. We are expected to forgive one another even as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven us. We are expected to stand in this evil day in God’s power, not our own. This is only part of a much longer list of things we are called to do as believers. In Christ, there are no limitations to doing these things.
Yet, many of us impose self-limitations. Some may feel uncomfortable with sharing the gospel, so they superimpose “can’t” over God’s “can,” saying that it’s just not their thing. (Hmm…how’d that work for Moses?) Others may say, “I’m not bold enough to speak the truth; let someone else reprove or rebuke.” We are called to lovingly correct untruth with truth for the sake of the speaker and the sake of the hearer. When God says, “can,” one shouldn’t superimpose their “can’t” will over the Almighty’s. We could go through a long list of things, but I imagine that those who are reading this are already coming up with objections in their mind.
God doesn’t need us but He’s kind enough to include us and use us. He is sovereign, yet He lays out our responsibility as His representatives in this world and in His church. We are called to holy living and holy obedience—that takes faith. And as Spurgeon wrote, “With faith I can do all things; without faith I shall neither have the inclination nor the power to do anything in the service of God.”
When called upon to make a phone call or write a letter for the sake of some cultural issue which flies in the face of God, let us prayerfully consider what the Lord would have us to do, instead of just rejecting it saying, “I don’t like to do that.” When prompted by the Holy Spirit to say something in response to the many falsehoods that bombard us and those around us, speak out boldly, in obedience, with the love and authority of Scripture. The men and women, in times past, who made a difference in the world (for God) did not do so on their own. They did it by walking faithfully, in obedience, each day. They recognized their own real limitations, denied their own “self-limitations,” and followed after Jesus, through whom all things are possible. Will you?
By the way, American Decency’s founder and president, Bill Johnson, was the one who said, “Lord, do that which only you can do; because I can’t do that which I would do.” Let me add, “And give me faith to do that which I can only do through You.”
Join us for our upcoming events:
THE GOD WHO SPEAKS
On Friday, March 16, with showings at 1 PM and 7 PM, the American Decency Association will be presenting a documentary produced by the American Family Association. The God Who Speaks will be shown in our auditorium which is located at, 203 E Main Street, Fremont, Michigan.
This 90 minute documentary answers common objections about the Bible’s reliability and equips believers to confidently base their lives on the power of God’s Word. This film offers great insight into the authority of the Bible as some of the world’s most respected biblical scholars speak to its authority, inspiration, help, and divine authorship.
PROTECT YOUNG EYES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! What’s more valuable than any possession you own? Your children and grandchildren! Why do we spend so much money on locks and security systems to guard our temporal blessings, yet leave the eyes/minds of those we love unguarded or to their own protection? Regardless of how busy you may be, DO NOT miss out on this important event to help train you and your children regarding internet use. Become an active line of defense in protecting them.
Join us on March 23 at 7 PMat the American Decency building (203 E. Main St, Fremont, Michigan. The group is called Protect Young Eyes and they do a most excellent job!
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