Vol. 19 No. 04 | January 23, 2017
Sometimes you just can’t do it. You want to. You try everything and consider multiple options. You arrange and rearrange. You do everything you can but you just can’t do it.
Sometimes there are things that you just can’t do.
Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do things through Christ who gives me strength.” I know that if the Lord has something He wants me to do, that it will be for His glory and honor. He will provide me with the strength and the ability to do it. I believe that. God has proven that to me in my life more times than I could ever list.
Yet, there are some things I just can’t do. Here are some examples:
When I was growing up I wanted to play basketball for a career. I read books about Bob Cousy and the Boston Celtics. I played and replayed basketball scenarios on our dirt court at our home. Eventually, the dream evolved to the point that I would eventually play college ball, end up with the Boston Celtics, hit the winning basket to win the NBA championship, and drop dead at center court of the Boston Gardens.
A series of things happened that made that impossible. I was not that good, and I did not receive a single offer to play in college.
Those who knew me then are thinking, “You really thought you were good enough to get a college scholarship?”
But, this did not stop me. When I got to college, I decided I was going to walk on. I took one look at the team and realized I was not tall enough, fast enough, or good enough to even walk onto the court. The dream was gone. I learned that there are somethings I just cannot do.
Through the years I have discovered other things that I just cannot do.
- I cannot run like I once did.
- I cannot play basketball like I once did.
- I cannot be in all the places that I want to be.
- I cannot be everything people want me to be.
- I cannot help all the people I would like to help.
- I cannot fix all the problems I would like to fix.
Sometimes I have to admit that I just can’t do everything. Sometimes it is a painful admission. Sometimes it is easy to admit. Sometimes it is a frustrating realization. Sometimes the realization is a relief. Sometimes it is difficult to accept. Sometimes it is an easy acceptance.
I have grown to understand that although there are many things that I can do, and many more things I could do if I allow God to empower me, that there are some things that I just can’t do.
In those times of feeling weak and inadequate, I find comfort from these words from God.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26,27, NIV)
As you go through this week, you are going to be faced with requests, invitations, and demands for your attention, time, and energy. Some of you will accept and fulfill these obligations without hesitation or reservation. You will do these things enthusiastically and with delight.
There will be others of you that, regardless of your desire to fulfill these obligations, will most likely not be able to do. You may feel frustration. You may feel like a failure. You may look back on your week with regret.
You tried. Take comfort in that. You did as much as you could. Take comfort in that. God appreciates your efforts and loves you just as you are. Keep loving God and serving His people.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.