“You can because He says you can.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 30, 2023
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
Ever since you were small, someone has been telling you what you can’t do. Your mother told you that you couldn’t walk down the middle of the street. Your father told you that you couldn’t ride your bike without reflectors. And your teachers told you that you couldn’t run in the hallway.
While it’s a huge blessing to have adults look after us when we are children, there comes a time in life when we must stop listening to those who tell us “You can’t” when it’s about what they say we can’t accomplish.
“You can’t be a chemist. You’re not analytical enough.”
“You can’t be a professional singer. You’re not attractive enough.”
“You can’t make it as a teacher. You’re not patient enough.”
“You must be kidding! You want to be a pastor’s wife? You can’t do that.”
Sadly, we often fear the criticism of others and when it does happen, we take it to heart. For this reason, even into adulthood, we’re often waiting for someone to tell us it’s OK to “cross the street” to God’s calling and plans for our lives because we are afraid that if we blow it, we’ll look silly—and then what will they say?
Years ago, I realized I’d been waiting for someone to encourage me to write a book. I thought if another, more successful writer validated me, then I could start moving toward the dream that God had placed in my heart. Deep down I didn’t want to look foolish. One day as I browsed the bookstore for inspiration from an accomplished writer, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and said, “Why are you looking for a leader outside yourself? Write what I have given you.”
No matter who you are, or what you want to accomplish, the only leader you need to move toward God’s calling for your life is the Holy Spirit. If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31). Which also begs the question, “Why do we fear criticism?”
Even Jesus knew when to ignore naysayers who wanted to prevent Him from accomplishing His purpose. In Luke 4:30, those in His hometown became furious when He said He was sent by God. To destroy Him, they drove Him out of town to the top of a hill so they could throw Him over a cliff. What did Jesus do? He walked through the crowd and went on His way.
Because He knew who He was and who His Father was, He decided He would “cross the street” to His God-given purpose, even if no one else but His Father agreed.
Sometimes the best way to move on to God’s plans for your life is to ignore negative evaluations and comments and, just like Jesus, go merrily on our way.
You can because He says you can.
“. . .but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Prayer
Lord, help me to live to please only you. I focus on the truth that you will help me accomplish the purposes you have created for me. Amen.
Application
Do you need to stop focusing on what others think and tell your Father that you will do His will? Talk with Him about it today.
Related Reading
Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:4-8; Acts 5:29
Worship Resource
New Life Worship ft. Cory Asbury: All to Him
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