Wednesday, May 22, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

I Don't Know, CAN I?

Philippians 4:13, I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

Have you ever asked someone a question with the word "can" in it... For example, "CAN you please pass the salt?" And instead of that individual just "passing the salt," they instead sarcastically dangle the salt before you while saying, "I don't know, CAN I..." At this point, you either eat your meal bland or yank the salt out of the self-proclaimed comedian's hand (there may be a better way to handle that situation lol).

Today's verse was one of the first verses my dad taught me, and it's the first verse I taught my son to memorize. The lesson that my dad was trying to teach me and that I am now trying to deposit into my son is that you CAN truly do ANYTHING when Christ is your strength. There are many opportunities that God puts before us daily...opportunities that He has equipped us for and things that we CAN do! However, WILL you fulfill the task?

God gives you the power, the opportunity, AND the choice to perform His plans for your life. Too often, we limit ourselves based on our time, feelings, perceived ability, past mistakes, and opinions of others about us.

Before penning today's verse, Paul wrote in verses 11-12, "...for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little."

Paul did not allow his social status, physical status, or financial status dictate what he WOULD do for Christ. He knew the power he had in Christ, and he responded to the call, seizing EVERY opportunity.

God thrives in using imperfect people. Moses stuttered, David was just a young shepherd boy, Mary was a peasant, Esther was a slave, Paul was a murderer, and the Disciples were just average guys...fishermen and tax collectors.

You see, you're not disqualified to be used by God because of your past mistakes, your career choice, or your physical ability. It's when YOU decide based on those things that there is no way God could love and use you.

I challenge you today to shake off the limits!?! WILL you? Remember, you are the ideal candidate for God to do MIGHTY things through!

Dear Lord, Forgive me for times that I limited You by limiting what You could do through me. Thank You for the great plans You have for me.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.