By Rev. Bob White, pastor of Liberty Church in Cleveland
Seminary professor Leonard Sweet told the following story:
One of our students received an appointment from a bishop, and the student did not feel the placement exactly suited his abilities.
I overheard him complaining about it to another student, and then the other student said, “You know, the world’s a better place because Michelangelo didn’t say, “I don’t do ceilings.”
When I read this, I thought about Moses talking with God at the burning bush. Moses gave four reasons why “I don’t do Pharaohs or mass migration.” Moses said, “Who am I” or you could say I am a nobody. Moses said, “What shall I say to them?” Moses also said, “Suppose they will not believe?” Finally, Moses said, “I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 3, 4)
God’s reply to Moses was, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” The word “rest” means an inner peace, well being, security and confidence. God was telling him to draw on his strength rather than his own.
How many times have we said, “I don’t do?” When we have this desire to say “I don’t do” we might want to confess some “I can do” scriptures.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“I can do ministry with God’s ability.” (I Peter 4:11)
“I can always triumph in Christ.” ( II Corinthians 2:14)
“I can walk by faith.” ( II Corinthians 5:7)
“I can call those things which be not as though they were.” (Romans 4:17)
“I can fight the good fight of faith.” (II Timothy 4:17)
I believe the “I can” scriptures are more powerful and can drive out the “I don’t do” thoughts from your mind. Try it this week and see what happens.
Editor’s note: Bluebonnet News welcomes devotionals from all pastors in and around Liberty County. If you want to submit a devotional, send to editor@bluebonnetnews.com. Be sure to include your church’s name, service times and address.