I Can’t Do This

Everyone has said I can’t do this at some point. We go through life and do the best we can, but eventually we face a time when our ‘best’ isn’t good enough. We’re lost and don’t know what to do. Have you ever been there? I know I have, many times.

I Can’t Do This!

We have confidence when things are going well. We feel that we have everything under control and that we’re on top of the world. But what about the tough times? How do we respond to a diagnosis of cancer? Where is our confidence when we face financial hardship, been betrayed by a close friend, or even a spouse? During tough times like those we sometimes say, ‘I can’t do this.’

Job faced many times when he must have exclaimed, ‘I can’t do this.’ He was a godly man, and yet he faced unimaginable sorrows. He lost his livelihood. He lost his family. He lost his good health, and even despaired of his own life.

King David faced many times when he must have exclaimed, ‘I can’t do this.’ He was slandered by friends and enemies alike. King Saul sought to destroy him, and even his own son plotted to kill him. He was reduced to living as a wanderer, losing everything.

The Apostle Paul faced many times when he must have exclaimed, ‘I can’t do this.’ He thought that he was doing the will of God by persecuting the early Christians, even to the point of imprisonment and execution! When Jesus Himself confronted Paul he learned that everything he did was all wrong.

There is a common theme found between these three men, and everyone else listed in the Bible as a follower of God. They eventually reached the point where they realized that they were lost, without hope, and unsure of what they should do.

We go through those times too, don’t we? Sometimes things just fall apart, even when we are doing the right thing! We feel helpless and discouraged, and often think, ‘I can’t do this.’

It’s All Part of the Plan

What is the purpose of going through the rocky areas of life?  The purpose is this; it’s during the difficult times we realize ‘I can’t do this.’ We understand that it’s going to take the intervention of God to make things right again – and that’s the whole point. We can’t do this!

Job’s answer was to repent of his errant thinking and realize that God is in control, no matter what the circumstances may be.

King David’s answer was to turn to the Lord for protection, provision, and leadership.

Paul’s answer was to turn to the Lord for purpose, identity, and even living out life itself.

If turning to the Lord was good enough for them, then it’s good enough for us. When we get to the point that we cry out, ‘I can’t do this,’ realize that it’s the truth! Call on the Lord, seek Him for direction, and then rest in His abundant grace.