Can't Do Attitude

I grew up in a home that taught confidence. Beginning with The Little Engine That Could ("I think I can, I think I can") to reciting Muhamed Ali quotes in the mirror ("I'm the greatest. I'm the best. Nobody can beat me!"). It was great as a kid thinking I could do just about anything I put my mind to. I believed I could, so I could. But as I grow older, as a mom, a wife, and a plain-old human being, I am learning the value in admitting "I can't". Now I'm not talking about having a negative attitude on life or abilities, but a surrendered attitude. Replacing "I think I can, I think I can" with "I know You can, I know You can".

Philippians 4:13, I like to say, is the motivational saying to end all motivational sayings. If you know, believe, and assure yourself over and over again of this, there's no need for Dr. Phil phrases or Oprah Ah-ha moments. It certifies that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Through Christ is the key. Not through trying really hard. Not through wishing. Not through thinking about it. But through Christ and the strength that only He can give me. I can do everything I need to do through Christ, because He strengthens me, helps me, equips me. He can, but only when we're willing to confess we can't. We can't overcome our addiction. We can't stop worrying. We can't forgive that person. Whatever it is you just can't do, it's OK and true to surrender and declare that (on your own) you CAN'T! But through Him, you CAN! Through Him, we can do all things, says the Word of God, but without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). So why do we have it so flipped upside down in our heads sometimes? Instead of reassuring yourself about yourself, reassure yourself of Him. He is ABLE, and through Him we are able to do all things, this and that, everything. Face any circumstance, all conditions, every situation. The Amplified Bible translation, which goes more in depth with some of the original Hebrew or Greek definitions, gives this beautiful version of the motivational saying to end all motivational sayings:

 ^"I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency."

He empowers me. He infuses inner strength into me. Christ is all and through Him I can do all. Without Him, I can't. It's OK, say it... I can't.