"I Can't Do That"

The following are nuggets I took away from a sermon by John Fuller at Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa on Sunday, April 29th.

When we are faced with a situation where we say that we "can't do that", what really lies behind this is the question, "Will I continue to be comfortable and safe?"

In Mark 6:6-13, Jesus challenged his disciples to do something they had never done before. They could have said, "I can't do that." But they did not. Instead they:

• Did what was risky - They left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They went to a people they did not know. They had a mission that would cause them to be accepted or rejected. They were asked to do what would be seen by many as "weird."
• Were obedient - They went in obedience to the Jesus' command.
• Took faith steps - They took one step at a time; only the next step is important.

The result: "They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."

In Luke 14:25-27, Jesus points out the importance of our relationship with him if we are to do the things he asks us to do.

• When we follow Jesus there can be no other relationship more important.
• We must be prepared to give our very life for his purposes - daily.

"We were put on this planet to be an active partner with God and not to be a consuming spectator!"

Comfy and safe = Christ Fan
Risky, obedient, and faith steps = Christ Follower/Partner

A Christ follower believes that he "can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV1984)

So how can I be a "Can Do" Christ Follower/Partner

• It starts with a "burden." Is there something in your life that you feel like "I have to ..."
• What is happening around you that makes you angry? How can you be involved in something that could help correct it?
• Is there an area in your life where some "walls" need to be torn down? What would you be willing to do if this or that wasn't in your way?
• Make this statement a regular part of your prayer life: "Lord, I am open to ..." The blank is something you have been thinking about doing.