Four children, menopausal brain fog, 20 years since I graduated from college, only enough computer knowledge to check e-mails. That was the circumstance I was in when I felt God calling me. But to what? Finally I decided to go to an information night at Biblical Theological Seminary. I was shocked to learn that you had to submit two essays as part of the application process. Are you kidding me? I can't write! But while listening to a presentation about the counseling program, a great burden was lifted and I knew this was what I was supposed to do. I started crying right then and there (there's a stable counselor candidate!).

Now I knew what I was supposed to do, but how was I going to do it? We already had one child in college, another one headed to college the next year, and twins in Christian school. Financially, logistically, and mentally (computer illiterate, memory like a sieve), it did not make sense. My husband was not totally on board and as much as I wanted to promise him a great return on this financial investment, I couldn't. All I could say is "for me not to do it is not an option." I told him, however, that I would honor his decision. As I filled out the application (and yes, even managed to write two essays), I was saying, "O.K. God, see, I am walking through the door. Feel free to close it at any time." But he didn't. In fact the day of my first class my husband called to tell me he was excited for me (a total act of God).

This is a story about God's faithfulness and provision in my life. I was able to earn a master's degree in counseling. Very much like Moses (Exodus 4:10-11), you and I can come up with all sorts of reasons for why we can't do what God is asking us to do. However, just as in Moses' case, God promises He will be with us.

So what is God asking you to do? Maybe it isn't going back to school; maybe it's going out of your comfort zone, reaching out to someone in need, loving a spouse who is unlovely, or being content where you are in life right now. The "I can't" attitude turns into either I will (dependence on God) or I won't (independence of God). What will our "I can't" attitude turn into? A dear friend gave me this quote as I anguished over becoming a counselor, "God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called." I do not know the origin of this quote, but if God is with us (as He promises) then our "I can't" can become "I will". "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). He is faithful; trust Him.

Chris is the director of Charis Counseling Services at Penn Valley Church in Telford, PA. She and her husband Steve have been married 26 years. They have four children and a new son-in-law.