In the last couple of weeks, I keep coming back to these scriptures over and over:
- Philippians 4:13 – I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 – 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.
- Matthew 19:26 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
These are the things that went through my head during the Goofy race. I have been teaching these ideas in Kids Church. I have had to lean on them as I am trying to be obedient to do hard things. I am using these ideas with my kids constantly – even last night as Anne was struggling in tumbling and using the words, “I can’t,” I was reminding her that with the strength of Christ, she can.
Why is it that our first response to something hard is that it is impossible? Why is it that we immediately look at the situation and at ourselves and say, “I can’t do this?”
Why is it so hard for us to acknowledge that we can’t do things on our own, much less ask for help?
Is it pride? Is it fear of being vulnerable? Is it arrogance?
When those tough things are standing in front of us, our first response should be, “Lord, you are strong when I am weak. I cannot do this on my own. Please help me. I know with your help I can accomplish even that which seems impossible to me.” Our second response should be to give our best so that God can then use it for His glory.
This is the clip that I showed in Kids Church this week. I love it. If you haven’t watched this movie, I highly recommend it. It is a great example of how God can use those who look weak in the eyes of the world and make them strong.
I encourage you to lean on Christ and His strength today as you face the giants in your way.