A Can-Do Attitude

4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Jesus wants us to have a "can do" attitude!

In this verse which has been a precious treasure of God’s people down through the ages, Paul says that he is able to do anything he is called upon to do, because God is strengthening Him.

God wants us to think the same way (remember 3:17!). He wants us to think, "I can do poverty. I can do prosperity. If God assigns it, I can do it, because He is strengthening me."

The problem is that we don’t feel strong. We feel weak. This is just the way God wants it. He wants us to FEEL weak. When we feel strong we are dangerous, and ready for a fall. God wants us to feel weak and believe strong. "Let the weak say, 'I am strong in the strength of the Lord!’"

Do you wallow in "Woe is me!" self-pity instead of having confidence in God? I know I do.

We have to believe God’s word instead of believing our feelings. If God says we can do it, then let’s not argue with Him. Our job is to step out in obedience trusting God to provide the power. Remember 2:12-13:

"Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His good pleasure."

In and of ourselves, we are weak. But God wants us to see His power through eyes of faith:

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know...what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe." (Eph.1:18-19)

O Father, forgive me for being more impressed by my weakness than I am by Your great strength, as if Your strength is not adequate to overcome my weakness! Please open the eyes of my heart to see the surpassing greatness of Your power at work within me through the Holy Spirit. Help me to step out in confidence that You will strengthen me to do what I must do. Help me not be paralyzed by a sense of weakness but energized and emboldened by a sense of Your mighty strength!