I can't. Two (actually, the second is a contraction of two words) small words which can have a huge impact. How often have we said I can't when confronted with a task or requirement? I've said it time and time again. In reality, I can't is an excuse. It's a way to avoid something unpleasant or something we may not want to do. Saying I can means action. It means we have to do something. And, it means we have to take responsibility. So, we may opt for that phrase which will get us out of doing something, whether unpleasant or not.
Maybe what we're trying to avoid is something we know we should do, be it working on a project at home (I'm a great procrastinator, just ask Ginger!), at work, or even at church. It's easy to have a ready excuse. We say, "I can't because . . .", and you fill in the blank. I won't speak for you, but I know when I utter those two words a sense guilt takes over. I know I should do that. I know I can do it. Why, then, do we not? Oh, there are many excuses: laziness, our feelings of ineptitude, and, of course, I just don't want to do it.
Jesus called twelve men as disciples. Some, we know from Scripture, had jobs. Others probably had families. And most likely all of them could easily have found a multitude of reasons to say 'no' to Jesus' command to 'Follow me.' But they didn't. In fact, the fishermen, James and John, dropped what they were doing and immediately followed him. They left their father, Zebedee, in his boat. They left the repair work they were doing on the fishing nets. They left their life behind.
Imagine that! What must it be like to leave everything you know behind - What must it be like to follow a man whom you may know only peripherally or by reputation. What must it be like to venture into the unknown? I have a difficult time imagining what it would be like to leave family behind, step out of one's comfort zone, and venture into the unknown. Not sure I could do that, might even say - I can't! But, while they might not have fully comprehended at the time, they set forth in God's strength and not their own. It was not their vision but God's.
And that's how it is. When we say 'I can,' it means we're placing our trust fully and wholly in God. We venture forth not by our own strength but through God's strength in the Holy Spirit. And, we go in the company of others who equally may be questioning their abilities to do what God has called them to do. It never is an easy journey. It's one fraught with roadblocks, ditches, and detours. But when we follow obediently, as did the first disciples, then the journey will be filled with great reward. 'I will make you fish for people' (Mark 1:17). See you on the journey.
Grace and peace,
Mike
January 25, 2015