Friends
Have you ever uttered one of the following statements?
“I can’t do that. I can’t imagine that. We can’t change that. It can’t be helped.”
Have you ever stopped for a moment and thought about how many times you have said the word “Can’t”? I have, and it has been far too often.
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“But Jesus said, “You feed them.”“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”
Mark 6:37 – NIV
The word “Can’t” is a common word in our vocabulary. We use it liberally, especially with regard to our behavior. The doctor advises us to exercise more, but we can’t find the time. The scales are screaming a scary number at us, but we can’t seem to stick with a weight loss plan. We know we need to eat better, but we can’t find the time or energy to prepare healthy meals. We should read our Bibles more often, but we just can’t add one more thing into our busy days. We need to get to church on Sunday mornings, but we just can’t seem to drag ourselves out of bed.
“Can’t!”…The word shows up often in times of stress and crisis. We feel overwhelmed. Our circumstances feel out of control. We feel powerless against the problems flying in our faces. It’s all too much, and we respond with the words, “I can’t!”
But you and I are not alone when we feel helpless and hopeless. In fact, the Gospels tell us that we are in good company, because the disciples caved into their feelings of powerlessness too.
The disciples were men hand-picked by Jesus to accompany Him on His ministry journey. These were men who were destined to be the founders of the church. These were men who eventually braved persecution to spread the good news of Jesus throughout the nations. Yet, these same men started out with the words “I can’t.”
the feeding of the 5000 is one of Jesus’ greatest miracles. It’s so important that three out of the four Gospels mention it. It was amazing, and yet, it started with twelve men uttering the words, “We can’t!”
In Mark Chapter 6, we begin with the story of Jesus sending out His disciples in pairs of two. He directed them to go out into the towns and villages and spread the Good News. Not only that, He gifted them with the power to heal the sick and cast out demons. The disciples were empowered with this incredible gift and sent out with this huge responsibility. What was their response? They grabbed their cloaks and went. They did what Jesus asked, and it was amazing.
When the disciples returned from their journeys, they were tired, and Jesus led them to a solitary place to rest. But the place didn’t remain solitary and secluded. The people were desperate to be with Jesus, and they followed Him and His disciples. When Jesus saw the people searching for Him, He felt compassion for them, and weary or not, He began teaching them.
Later that day is when Jesus turns five loaves and two fish into a feast, and it’s also when Jesus’ disciples show just how human they are. Later that day is when those same twelve men respond to their circumstances the same way you and I are so prone to do. They use the same words we do, “I can’t!”
Friends, what struggles are you facing today? What situations are you saying the words “I can’t!” To right now? What do you wish you could change, but feel powerless to do so? Are there things you are making excuses about, because you know that those things would be so hard to change?
Will you give some thought to those questions this week? Come back next week, and we will dive deeper into this story. On that long ago lonesome hilltop, Jesus performed a mighty miracle, but He also taught His dear friends a valuable lesson. It was a lesson not just meant for those twelve men, but a lesson for the ages, a lesson we can all learn from.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You know our struggles. You know the problems we face. We often feel so weak and powerless to deal with our difficult circumstances. Sometimes, we know we need to make a change, but we cannot summon the strength to do so. Lord, we need You. Help us entrust our circumstances to You. Give us the strength we need to change our “Can’t to Can.”
In the Mighty Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Blessings,
Anita
-APS 2/19/2024
Faith Beyond Sight 