I Can, But…”

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

One of my favorite subjects to study and teach is grammar. I know many people find this a difficult (boring) topic, but I love the challenge of learning to maneuver my way through the twists and turns of the complexity of the English language.

Take a look at the above verse. Most of us are quite familiar with it. I know I think of it often when I face situations that are seemingly difficult to overcome. But until today, I haven’t really thought about the grammatical implications of this verse.

This verse tells me that I have the capability to do all things through Christ. That’s the meaning of the word “can.” This word refers to my potential, the skills I have to accomplish something. It is simply a word used to state my ability to do something because I have the knowledge to do so. Because this verse is written in the Word of God, I know that it is true. There is no doubt that I really can do all things through the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore it is factual to say when God asks me to do something, I can accomplish it through the empowerment of the Saviour.

What kinds of things might God ask of me? Maybe it’s to teach a Sunday school class, work in the nursery, homeschool my grandchildren, give a little more to missions, participate in a visitation program, etc. This list could go on and on and on. There isn’t anything that God would ask of me that I could not do. I have the confidence that I could successfully complete every one of them because of my relationship with His Son because Philippians 4:13 says that “I can…”

But it’s really not a matter of “Can I?” It’s a matter of “Will I?”

The word “will,” refers to a willingness on my part. It directly relates to my commitment to the task. When I say, “I will do it,” there is no decision to be made regarding my ability. Instead, it is a decisive word. I am committed to action; I am determined to undertake the task and complete it. When I say, “I can do that,” I am referring only to my capability to act; when I say, “I will do that,” I have fully committed myself to doing something. It is a choice I make to act. Luke 9:23 speaks of Jesus when it says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This was a choice that Jesus offered. He never forced anyone to follow Him, and He never will.

When God asks me to do something for Him, He simply waits for my answer. He’s ready to provide all I need to accomplish His work. However, if my only response is “I can do all things…,” it’s not enough. I need to answer Him with a hearty “Yes, Lord! I will do all things…” And then I just need to go and do it “… through Christ which strengtheneth me!”

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain or plain or sea;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.

(from “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” by Mary Brown)

“What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.” Psalm 25:12

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What will your answer be when God asks you to do something for Him?