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]. —Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
When we see the outcome of someone’s efforts that cause them to be wealthy, well-known in their field or outstanding in some other way, we focus solely on that result. Most people tend to look at success as a one-time event but it really is a series of events that culminate into something outstanding. Success is a series of “I cans”. Whether we are working towards a closer relationship with God or being better moms, wives, dads, husbands, siblings, children, business owners, employees, or students and so on – it takes a series of efforts to make it happen. Although we may have specific defined goals, success is ongoing positive progress in whatever area of life we are aiming to grow.
A successful life is a constant work in progress and through it we have many responsibilities. In the midst of the daily activities, many have a desire in their hearts to do something beyond the norm, to do the extraordinary for God or to fulfill their God-sized dream. Yet, many conclude that they can’t. `I can’t` become such a normal part of our conversation that we don’t realize it:
- “My life is too busy. I have so much to do that I can’t possible fit in another thing. ”
- “What’s the point; I couldn’t possibly get that done even if I tried.”
- “It’s just too hard. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
- “My uncle didn’t think it was a wise career choice, so this is what I ended up doing.”
Yet the question remains, since God put it on your heart to do something, if God gave you a dream, why do you think you can’t do it. It’s not that it would happen overnight, but it certainly can if you begin by saying, “I can. Yes, I can.” But you have to stop saying “I can’t.” When you say you can’t do anything, what are you doing?
- Belittling God who imputed His grace and strength in us
- Believing more in the circumstances around us than in the promises of God
- Making our challenge or problem bigger than what it really is
- Thinking lowly of ourselves and therefore making ourselves powerless to do anything good
- Resigning ourselves to failure and a limiting, fruitless life
Whether you think that you can, or that you can’t, you are usually right.
Success is a series of “I cans”. This does not mean that we won’t fail at times but the wonderful part is that you’re still alive and well and God hasn’t finished with you and me yet. Every morning we arise from our bed we have another opportunity to do something great. We can honor God in whatever we do. We can minister to someone about Christ. We can help feed a hungry person or pray for healing of someone who is sick. We can work towards our life’s mission or destiny – that passion or desire that God has placed on your heart to complete.
When we say “I can”, we are:
- Glorifying God in our lives and giving others to opportunity to praise God for the good they see us doing (Matthew 5:16)
- Failing Forward and progressing toward our destiny. We are seeing the prize before it arrives and pressing towards it. We are focused on the goal (Philippians 3:14)
- Relying on the strength and wisdom of God to do what seemed insurmountable at first (Philippians 4:13)
- Walking in the abundance life Christ paid the price for (John 10:10)
You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get.
Sometimes we think that when we move forward to achieve a dream that we have to give up – time, pleasure, relationships, money, certain foods or overeating, etc. However, we are actually gaining in life rather the losing. The reward of daily success is far sweeter – what you give up cannot compare to what you will gain. From the experience of giving up you grow in character, in knowledge, in wisdom, in favor with others and if you embrace the success journey you will gain much more that the goal or prize you want to receive.
Success is doing what you have to do to achieve what you have dreamed.
Success is the ability to think soundly, speak confidently and act wisely while trusting and honoring God all the way (Joshua 1:7-8).
Success is a series of I CANs. You have a choice. You have the power to choose – success or failure. You have the power to say “I can”.
I hope today you will choose to say, “I can and I will” and therefore begin TO DO. Remember, you can through Christ being your strength. Recommit yourself today to the Lord and to the desire He has placed on your heart to do. He will give you strength to do it. Yes, YOU CAN!
Share a word – What have you put on hold that you need to say, “Yes, I can” to?