I Can't, But He Can!"

"I Can't, But He Can!"

Bill Brinkworth

All Christians are called to be obedient to God’s calling; be it to be saved, baptized, tithe, cease a certain sin, or to do something He has laid on one’s heart to do. Too often, excuses are used to wiggle out of what one has been burdened to do.

Moses made such an excuse. He did not want to do what God had called him to do. God called the humble man to lead the two million plus people out of Egypt and their bondage (Ex. 3:10). After being told what the would-be-leader would first do (Ex. 4:2-9), Moses did what many of us do when God calls on us to do something for His Glory. He hid behind an inadequacy he thought would prevent him from doing what God required of him.

Moses reminded God that his speech impediment would prohibit him from doing any speaking. He thought his slow speech would hinder him from speaking to the people of Israel.
“And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” Ex. 4:10

God’s answer to Moses’ supposed exemption should have silenced Moses and most of our excuses also. God reminded Moses that it was He that had made Moses’ mouth. Certainly, his Creator knew his limitations.
“And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?” Ex. 4:11

God does not ask anyone to do anything that they cannot do. If God laid on a person’s heart to do something, it can be done! Maybe not on their own; maybe not without God’s help, but if God calls a person to do something, he CAN do it!

This wipes out so many excuses, including:

“I can’t quit my drinking.” If God convicted you about destroying your body and life with alcohol, or even drugs, He can help you get control over that controlling sin.
“I cannot read my Bible, pray, and go to church”. You can, if you let God prioritize your time.
“I can’t live the way a Christian should live, because I’ll lose all my friends.” Well, God can give you new friends.
“I can’t tell the truth all the time, or I’ll get in trouble!” Maybe forced honesty will steer you away from tempting situations in the first place.
“I can’t tithe because I barely have enough money to live as it is.” God can make a “little” go a long way, if you will trust Him!”
“I can’t tell others how to be saved, because I’m shy; and I don’t know what to say.” Try! God will give you the words; and if you do make mistakes, He will direct you to be more prepared and to even memorize some Bible verses.

Most of our excuses are not sufficient to keep us from obeying God. We can do all God requires of us. He will not require of a Christian something that he is not able to do.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13