When We “Can’t Even”
2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
“But, it’s too hard for me!” That’s a classic phrase that children use, especially when they do not want to do a task they are given. It may indicate they do not have the strength, or perhaps lack the skill. It may be that they just do not have the will or desire to do what was asked. But the cry “It’s too hard for me!” often brings help - the parent comes to support, assist and ‘rescue’ the struggler.
Sometimes God calls us to hard things. Here’s the thing, He WILL give us more than we can handle (whoever said He would not was not reading their BIble) He will call us to things that overwhelm us. He will let us face things that, humanly, cannot be done. Does He do that to defeat us? No!! He allows us to face these things because it reminds us that we are not our own savior. We NEED God to intervene. And it allows Him to show His mighty power, His DIVINE power!. If we could handle everything we face, would we need God? Would we call on Him in desperation? Or would we say, “Thanks, but I’ve got this.”? No, we face hard things so that our full need of and dependence upon God is evident.
And in those hard things when we cry out “But, it’s too hard for me!” God is present and active. He is there to support, assist and rescue us in our struggle.. He sees our needs and He orchestrates our situation. He has given us EVERYTHING we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him and He’s welcomed us, through His promises, to participate in the divine nature. We’ve escaped the corruption of this world!! But, we have to endure, faithfully obeying and following Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
He WILL do it. HE will do it. Not us. We can’t. It’s too hard for us. But God is able to protect us, sanctify us and keep us blameless until the coming of Jesus. And one day we will see Him face to face and realize the reward of our redemption and our faithful following. Oh, friends, can we just pray right now that our sons and daughters wouldn’t ‘give up’ because it’s too hard for them, but they would call on Jesus to sustain them through whatever He calls them to and trust that He will do it, and believe that they will be presented blameless before Him?
“Oh, God our Father, You are so good to give us encouragement through Your word. Thank you for the words in 2 Peter. Your divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. That is almost more than we can comprehend. As believers in Jesus and children of God, we participate in the divine nature of God. It is humbling to realize that You welcomed us into your family and include us in Your divine nature. You moved us from the corrupt to the divine. Lord, I know we will face things that are too hard for us. Help us not to lose heart. I pray for (name) today that You would show them evidence of Your mighty power, working on their behalf even today. Don’t ever allow them to become self-dependent, but remind them always of their great need of You in their life. I pray that (name) would fully trust You and in those times and situations when it is too hard for them, they would cry out to you rather than give up, grow bitter, or fall into despair. Lord, show them how, as a believer in Jesus, they are participating in Your divine nature. They are guaranteed an escape from the corruption of this world. Lord, work visibly and mightily today in (name)’s life. Show them some affirmation today that You hear their cry, You are working to form them into the likeness of Jesus, and You are faithful to keep them until they see Jesus face to face. It’s in our Savior’s name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.