I Can
As I was unpacking some boxes, I found a can in one I opened. It is just a regular tin can. It could have had spinach or green beans or perhaps corn. The outside of the can had a beige piece of paper around it. On the can someone had taken time to cut out may different eyes from magazines and pasted them all around the can. Also pasted on the can were cut out the word “I” and pasted on it. It is an “I can”.
I’m not totally sure who made the can. It may have been my wife. It could have been one of the children. It may have been a VBS project one summer. But what a wonderful message this is for us.
Our children need to be encouraged to know and hear the words “I can” as to the things they desire to accomplish. Adults and children need to learn to say “I can” instead of the words “I can’t”. When our children were home and they used “I can't” as an excuse, my wife would tell them “can’t never could”.
I do realize that not everyone has the same abilities as others. There may be some things one may not be able to do, but if a person gives up before they try, how will they ever know?
It was Paul the apostle who told the church at Philippi, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NASB) Paul lived a hard life as a Christian. He stood up to rulers of the Jews. He stood up to the rulers of nations, and he was beaten, stoned, and even jailed because of his faith in Christ Jesus. The only way Paul could accomplish this was by being strengthened through Christ.
It’s important to note that in the spiritual realm that we can do all things. But can I do all things on my own, or do I need help? The scriptures tell us it is through Christ that I can do all things. When I try to do things on my own, I sometimes make a mess of it. Doing it while relying on Christ and with Him at the center I can accomplish what I need to do.
The “I” can reminds me that all things are possible, but I must make an effort. The Scriptures remind me that I can do all things through Christ. Christ would tell us in Mark 10:27, “Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."
Do you ever hear yourself saying, “I can’t”? Maybe we need to be more positive and say “I can as long as I’m walking with Jesus.” Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t procrastinate. Trust in the Lord and let Him help you. You can through Christ.