When I can’t

I get a devotion in my email everyday. Most days I at least read it, sometimes I forward it to a friend, sometimes I talk about it with Tim, sometimes I just delete it and go on with my day. The one today really spoke to me. When I can't do something- I need to simply bring it to Jesus and watch Him work. I want to remember this in the coming days, hours and even minutes- as frequently I get frustrated, discouraged, and just tired of trying to do it all. I need to remember- I can't do it all- I need to just bring it to Him. Here's the devotion-

“Bring them here to me.” Matthew 14:18 (NIV)

“Mo-om,” my six year old son called from the den where he was working on math, “I can’t do this!”

I was in the kitchen washing dishes. “If you can’t do it,” I called back, “Just bring it to me.”

In a whoosh, I heard God’s still small voice, coming in on the heels of what I have just spoken aloud. “Isn’t that what I say to you?” He reminded me.

When I am overwhelmed: “If you can’t do it, just bring it to Me.”

When I am angry: “If you can’t do it, just bring it to Me.”

When I am hurting: “If you can’t do it, just bring it to Me.”

When I am confused: “If you can’t do it, just bring it to Me.”

Thousands of years ago, the disciples faced a situation they couldn’t do. They couldn’t feed 5000 men and their families lunch even though the people were hungry. They knew that allowing them to leave would mean missing a great ministry opportunity… but their resources were sorely lacking.

Then one little boy stood up and offered his lunch. Jesus responded, “Bring them here to me.” He took that meager offering — the tiniest bit offered in faith — and multiplied it beyond anyone’s expectations.

I need God to do that for me every day. When I think that I can’t do something, I need to faithfully take what little I can do and place it in His hands. And then I need to stand back and watch Him multiply my humble offering into something amazing.

What are you feeling like you can’t do today?

Take on a challenge God is calling you to?

Respond to a ministry opportunity even though it is scary?

Stay in a marriage that looks over from where you’re standing?

Persevere in your efforts to pay off debt?

Offer forgiveness to someone who hurt you?

Whatever it is, know this: you are right. You can’t do it. So bring whatever it is to Him. Picture yourself offering it up, just like that little boy’s lunch. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.

Dear Lord, I praise You for being my burden bearer. Thank You for always taking my “I can’ts” and transforming them through Your power and Your blessings. Help me to remember not to be anxious or worried when I face difficulties, but to simply bring my issues to You again and again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.