Greetings to you in the name of the One who says that the impossible is absolutely possible with God, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a delightful morning in the Kingdom…and so significant. This day tells us that in just four months it will be Christmas Day! – exciting, eh? I’ll leave that with you to savour. Seriously, it is sobering to note how quickly time elapses. No wonder my friend, Paul suggests that we “redeem the time…make the most of every opportunity” and his reason, because the days are evil – Ephesians 5:16 NIV. I will be praying for your today, asking Father to give you wisdom and decisiveness in the use of the time/opportunity that He gives you.
I have been pondering about how many times I have said, and still say – “I can’t!” and that reason has kept me from being the person that God created me to be and doing the things that God wanted-wants done. To be honest, I believe “fear” enjoys crouching behind opportunities and whispering…”you can’t: – it will be painful, it will make you vulnerable, imagine what people will think, you are not as qualified, you failed before, it will take too much time, people might laugh at you, people might notice you. You can’t – you can’t – you can’t!” So, I didn’t then and sometimes don’t now. I even look for validation and reasons…sometimes even a professional’s diagnosis, I mean – I can’t and here’s the reason why. However it leaves me somewhat diminished, barren, as a person to say – “I cannot” when I really want to, or at least try.
Over the years I have learned a new vocabulary and made a stubborn declaration. I have learned to use the words – “I will or I won’t” instead of “I can and I cannot”. After all, that is usually the crux of the matter. There is something satisfying and empowering when instead of saying…”I cannot”, I gather up the strength to say…”I will”. What has made the difference, what makes that possible? It is declaring: “through Christ…with Christ…in Christ – I can do all things…I can handle all things…I can do all that He has asked me to do – because He gives me strength…inner confidence…energy…all the encouragement I need.” Philippians 4:13.
I can declare that this has been an effective strategy as long as I keep my focus where it needs to be, but there have been and are times when I have lost my vocabulary or thought I could do things on my own. Those are the times when all does not work the way it should or might have. However the One who is always in control has always made time for “slow-learners” and He delights in seeing me succeed. One other key ingredient that He has incorporated into our relationship is “praise and worship”.
This morning I came across a prayer that speaks of my heart’s desire: My worship releases life where there is barrenness. In every circumstance–where there is hopelessness, impossibility, fear, or anxiety–keep me from agreeing with the problem and help me to release Your solutions. — May every solution begin with a posture of praise. I don’t deny the problem; I just deny the problem of its power over my life. I declare Your praises. I exalt Your Name. King Jesus. I remember Your promises. Your Name is higher than any measure of barrenness. Even before my eyes see the miracle come to pass, I celebrate Who You are and what You are doing. You are the answer. Bill Johnson, Hosting The Presence Every Day.
May you have a great day! Be blessed!