God says that your name is capable. God says you can.
Sometimes we can be our own worst critic. We can be our own worst enemy. We can talk ourselves out of doing something
before we have even tried.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV): 13I can do
all this through him who gives me strength.
The Greek for strengthens me is endunamounti which literally means, “who empowers me”. It is God who empowers us to do what He has
called us to do.
Next to John 3:16 Philippians 4:13 is well quoted. We often see athletes quote Philippians 4:13
or write it somewhere on themselves when they are about to go on the field and
go against a formidable team described as stronger, better, or more
talented. The world may even say that
the apparent underdog team is highly successful according to the standards of
the game. But the members of the team
may still be unsure about their ability to win the game. Others may be screaming to get you out of the
game. But God says when we have an
attitude that is trusting in Him and aligned with His purpose, we can do all
things.
(Please watch the Video clip: Woodlawn: “Bring it In”)
I’ve met many people who are considered highly successful
according to the standards of the world.
They rise to positions of leadership, authority, and influence. They have awards to show their skills. They have the education to support their
position. Other people often call upon
the experience for advice or consultation on projects. And even with all of these worldly accolades,
many of them feel incompetent, insecure, and incapable. And then there are some other people who talk
themselves out of being successful and even sabotage themselves because they
believe that they don’t have the skills necessary.
(Video clip: Facing the Giants: “Narrow Way”)
Success isn’t always about the outward symbols. Those who understand what Scripture says find
the success that God has planned for them.
Those who are willing to play by God’s rules find His rewards and
blessings on their lives.
Sometimes our challenges seem too big. But when we think that there is not a way,
God will provide a way. Our ability to
do what God desires and has planned for us comes not from our own ability,
ingenuity, or spirituality, but from His enabling power.
(Please watch the Video clip: Woodlawn: “On this Day”)
Philippians 4:13 (NIV): 13I can do
all this through him who gives me strength.
Closing
God calls you capable.
When the odds seem against you… when all hope appears lost… this is just
the time when God is able to do more than we can ever imagine and it is all for
His glory. It is about leaning in on
Christ who gives us strength. We can
endure and achieve all things that Christ intends for us as we rely on His
presence, power, and purposes.
Paul, the writer of Philippians maintained a right and
positive attitude on any day, regardless of how it was going. Paul was an apostle who practiced what he
preached and taught.
Conclusion
But God says that we have value, we have worth. God says we are forgivable. God calls us capable. We have the skills and talents to do the work
that we have been called to do. We all
need to stop believing the lies that the enemy would use to undermine our worth. We need to start believing the promises of
God. God will never leave us. God’s plans are to prosper us and make us
successful. He will give us the strength
we need to do what needs to be done.
No matter what garbage people in your past have heaped on
you, God will take that and create beauty. God gives us beauty for ashes. Take a step and start praying and declaring
over yourself that you are valuable; you are loveable; you are capable; you are
forgivable; and that you are a child of God.
Believe what God has promised about you and for you. Believe that God says, “Yes you can!”.
