Discipleship Devotionals Study Guide – Mixed Emotions – Philippians 4:13 – I Can – Growing As Disciples

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV) 

Impossible

This is too hard. This is too difficult. You have asked too much of me. This is beyond my gifts, talents and abilities. I can’t possibly do what you are asking me to do for you. Why do you do this to me? Do what to you? Why do you ask so much of me? You have done this to me many times before. What have I done to you many times before? You have asked me to do the impossible. You have asked me to do something that I cannot do. You have asked me to do something that was way outside the scope of my gifts, talents and abilities. You’ve noticed, that’s good. You’re right, I have done this to you many times before and you can be sure that I will do it to you many times again. What? Why is that? You tell me. I’m not sure. Take a guess.

You have given me impossible assignments so that I would be forced to come to rely on you for your help. You got it. How good would you be at relying on me if I gave you nothing but easy assignments? I see your point. You haven’t answered my question. I have had a long history of trying to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. If you gave me nothing but easy assignments I would do nothing but rely on myself to accomplish them. That’s right. 

Could there be another reason why I might give you impossible assignments? Let me think. Go right ahead, give my question some depth thought. You want me to learn that you are with me to help me. You want me to know that you will work in and through my life. You want me to know that your hand is on me. You want me to know that you will use my life to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. That’s right. 

Could there be one more reason why I might give you impossible assignments? You want everyone to know that you are the one who has accomplished the impossible. I have not accomplished the impossible. I will not receive credit for doing what I could not have done. It is you that will receive all the praise and glory and honor in doing what could not be done. When the impossible gets done, fruit is born for your kingdom and glory is brought to your name. But, I do get to rejoice and give thanks that you have worked in and through my life. That’s right. Will you come to rely on me? Will you allow me to do the impossible in and through your life? Will you allow me to bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name through your life? Yes Lord, I will. That is very good.                               

Lord, what is there that I cannot do with your strength? Nothing? I know that I am weak. I know that you are strong. I will rely on you to give me strength to do what I couldn’t possibly do by myself. Help me to be able to do what you are asking me to do for you. Amen

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Mixed Emotions – Philippians 4-13 – I Can – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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