Bridging the gap

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

You can't do it, but I never said you could; I can, and I always said I would.
Jill Briscoe

We are so very capable and talented. We take care of so many things on our own, with scarcely a second thought. Even when a particularly challenging task faces us, our minds immediately begin to race toward a solution, a plan, a way to tackle it.

But we don't have to do it all alone, in fact, we aren't supposed to do it all alone. Part of growing in faith is facing ever-increasing challenges, being asked by God to handle something that is just beyond our ability to manage on our own. That little space between our ability and the successful completion of the challenge is where God works in us, and where faith grows.

The point Paul is making is that we cannot do all things, not in our own abilities, no matter how impressive. If we are sincere in our desire to grow in faith, God will persistently put us in situations that are just that little bit beyond our ability to cope, forcing us to turn to Him. How sad that we need to be forced to rely on the One we say we believe is all-powerful God! But He knows how weak and fickle our faith is, and stretches us just far enough that we must turn to Him in order to make it through.

The Jill Briscoe quote above is from a series of messages on "Choosing" from the Briscoe's Telling the Truth ministry. It's a great reminder to let go of the expectations we place on ourselves that we should be able to handle everything we face. We can't, and God never said we could. He has promised to help us, and more than anything wants us to rely on that promise. He will fill that space, carrying you through and enlarging your faith.