“ I can do all things…”
This is one of the most misquoted verses of all time, which is a shame because it’s one of my favorites. All scripture is important, but this one has such a wonderful and powerful meaning. You may ask “well Pastor Scott, how do I know if I am misquoting a verse?” I’ve noticed, it’s actually really easy to do. It’s easy to pick out one sentence in paragraph and think; “Oh, that applies to my situation!” You are at risk of misquoting a verse, when we are reading our Bibles, we need to read them in context. Context is everything from the setting, to letting us know whose speaking, who they are speaking to, and what happened before it.
Think of a movie or play that opens up halfway through the story in an action scene. I hate that because I have no idea what’s going on or where we are. There are so many questions being raised with little answers. That is what we must be careful of when reading the Word of God. We don’t want to go in with an answer in our minds of we want, but instead we should read with an open heart and allow God to speak anything into us.
I say all this because this verse is not what I wanted but exactly what I needed. I wanted to share with you a personal struggle I had recently. I was called to do something by God that is the exact opposite of my strengths. Don’t you hate it when He does that? It challenges you on every level. It tests your faith, patience, self-control (control over anger), desire for His will over yours and so much more. I thought about this a lot as I studied for my final two tests to become a credentialed pastor. I am currently locally credentialed which is a fancy way of saying Abundant Life Church is backing me as a pastor. The church is doing this for me while I am finishing my schooling to become a pastor with the Assemblies of God. Anyway, most of you know my testimony and how school and I do not get along. I hated school and still do. I can’t stand studying and trying to retain information that you hope will show up on a test. This hatred for school was well earned, with the countless times I had teachers abuse positions of authority over me and my dyslexia.
School was rough for me, so when God called me back to the one thing I didn’t want to do, I struggled.
“I don’t want to be here.” I would say.
“I can’t do this.” I would think.
To bring you up to speed on God’s goodness in my life, He has gotten me through it all. The only thing left were two tests and an interview. I was not concerned about the interview, because let’s be honest, in person is where I dazzle! I mean that’s a strong suite of mine. I may not be able to remember dates, times, and names too well, but I have been given the ability to speak with anyone. No, the concern was the tests.
Paul addressed the believers of Philippi in Philippians 4 with these verses:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” 10-14
I didn’t want to hear this, but I need to. Paul’s right, God has always been with me. The issue is that I haven’t always given Him the opportunity to show it. I don’t know about you, but I have wanted to see God heal a person miraculously, but have I stepped out and laid hands on the sick and prayed for healing? I want to be used by God overseas as a missionary to speak to thousands, but have I shared my faith with my family that live down the road?
See, God will only use you in the capacity you allow Him too. God will never force you to follow Him. This is what I needed to hear because as I studied, I then prayed. I prayed God here is your opportunity. I do not have the capability to pass these tests. I certainly do not have the patience to study, but I believe you do. I believe that you will equip me for the calling placed on my life. I believe that you are with me and are concerned for me from the beginning. I believe that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who gives me strength”.
That’s the difficult part about following Jesus. At some point He is going to ask you to step off a cliff and trust in Him.
What!? That sounds crazy!
It does and I cannot explain why in the moment but take it from a young man who has leapt off quite a few already, He will never let you fall. When we step out in faith, He will always be there to catch you. It may look different then you thought because it’s according to His will not ours, but He will make good come out of it. Trust me, I have two tests marked with passing grades to prove it. The Lord is faithful and will see you through. We just need to remember to crawl before we can walk and to just make room for the Almighty to do His thing.
I encourage you today to look at your life and see where you could make room for God to move. Where would it take a real step of faith. Where do you not want to do something. Start there and be willing to step out of your comfort zone and do something that forces you to rely on God. As I always say, “To be a follower of Jesus you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s just the way it is”.
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