"We can do whatever we set our minds to do if we believe in ourselves."
This misleading statement is used to encourage someone to set goals that seem beyond their reach. Our motives may be right in saying it, but it's not true.
There are many things we cannot do, no matter how solidly we set our minds on them. We have different gifts, opportunities, challenges and handicaps. We can't do all things.
Sometimes we Christianize this statement by adding Philippians 4:13:
"I can do all things through Him [Christ] who gives me strength."
But this is a misuse of Scripture.
If we are doing things "through Christ," we won't be doing "whatever we set our minds to." We'll be pursuing His goals and purposes for our lives (Ephesians 2:10). Nor will we be accomplishing things because we're able, but because He's able.
God often calls us to do something beyond our strength (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) to prove that when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Let's set our minds on doing His will in His strength - whatever He sets His mind for us to do!
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I love this. It so true, we can't do it but God can do it in his way, in his time, what we can't do. But I believe he expects us to do our part. And listen to him as much as possible and act on his word. He will give us the strength to continue and be patient. Because he is the stronger one we are not. The key is Faith and Trust in him.
ReplyDeleteAll true, Karen. I agree.
DeleteGail
People who use Phil. 4:13 to say that they “can do anything” whether it’s on their own, or even with Christ’s power always make me slightly nauseous because that’s taken out of context. They completely ignore Phil. 4:12 which gives it the context of being about CONTENTMENT, and finding satisfaction, no matter the circumstances you find yourself in. Paul was referencing the fact of his having both been wealthy and in prison, hungry and well fed.
ReplyDeleteIt’s not about physical strength, but spiritual strength.
I believe it is more accurate to say believe in who we are in Christ, then trust in Him to guide us. Letting our old selves die and becoming a new creation in Christ.
ReplyDelete