From: Ben Kelley
Subject: I can, THROUGH Him
I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me. (Phil 4:13 NKJV)
Most of us have seen the strutting and loud boasting done by today's professional athletes. They posture and preen like peacocks as they recount their great abilities and accomplishments, taking all the credit. This attitude has spread over into the business arena, also; where successful entrepeneurs claim all the credit, citing their superior business skills or knowledge. These type persons generally describe themselves as "self-made", "hardworking", or ones who have "pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps." There are few people today who give the glory to God for what they are able to accomplish. This minority realizes the truth, "we can do absolutely nothing on our own." This is how I usually state it: "You cannot make your heart beat, or, your lungs breathe, in your own strength. God has to do them, and does so with no help from you. If you cannot do the 2 most fundamental things necessary in your life, why would you think you can do all the rest?"
Men and women of today have bought into the lie that power, strength, intelligence, ability, possessions, etc., are all things and qualities we acquire and increase on our own, the lie fostered and fed by the teaching of evolution. How many of us seek God first when we realize our inability and inadequacy? How many of us, for instance, when caught in a position where we don't know what to do, or how to do it, apply: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."? (James 1:5 (NKJV) Don't we, instead, start seeking out friends, family, and coworkers for their advice and counsel? How many of us, when in need of food, clothes, or possessions practice what Jesus said: “Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”? (Matthew 6:31-33 (NKJV) No, when we need these things, we look to our credit cards, bank accounts, second jobs, loans, etc., but not God. Each of us need to learn what the Apostle Paul came to realize; we have no ability or power in our own right; we are truly helpless babes on our own. When we encounter problems, trials, obstacles, etc., we can do nothing on our own. Paul had learned, though, that no matter the size, kind, or power of what we face, God's power, knowledge, resources, etc., are more than adequate to carry us through. We are to simply look to Him and confess we are unable, calling upon and trusting Him to see us through. Through our own abilities, resources, wits, strength, etc.,we can do nothing, but through Him we can do anything. We have more than adequate resources, but only through Christ!
Let us turn back to looking to Him for the power and ability we need for everything. Let us get back to confessing in everything, I can not, through my own power, resources, and abilities, but, I can, through Him! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! God does not "help those who help themselves." That old phrase is a lie. HE helps those who come to Him. I can, but, only through Him.
Ben