No! I can’t! I quit! I’m out! I’m done! The task is insurmountable, the cost too great, the request unreasonable!

When I am called to ‘do the difficult,’ my initial response is often negative because I am completely focused on self. If I would pause instead of panic and take a step back, I could gain a better perspective. The key seems to be to look beyond me and beyond now. When I stop focusing on me, I gain a sense of the One who is with me, the God who is my Hope, my Strength, my Provider, and my Friend. When I look beyond now, I am reminded that this is only a speck in time, and there are eternal rewards awaiting believers.

From this new point of view, my “no” becomes “maybe.” “I can’t” transforms into “I can do it with God’s help.” “I quit” turns to “I can take one step.” “I’m out” changes to “I’m in this for Him.” And, “I’m done” elevates to “There is something He wants me to accomplish.”

So, the next time we want to slam the door on what seems to be ‘mission impossible,’ let’s  bring the request to our Father in prayer, surrender the cost, and begin the task in His strength and for His honor. May we look beyond me and beyond now and meditate on, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)