The lie of “I could never…”

If you have ever been through any sort of trial, you’ve probably heard from others, “I could never do that.” I could never go through infertility. I could never be on bedrest. I could never have a baby in the NICU. I could never be a teacher (that’s one I hear often!). I could never parent a child with special needs. I could never take care of a family member with cancer. I could never… fill in the blank. People say these things and if they don’t say it, they definitely think it.

And I used to be one of those people. Then I realized that “I could never…” is a big. fat. lie.

You absolutely could. But not on your own.

With your own strength and power, “I could never” becomes true. However, the supernatural strength of the Lord has been given to us, friend. It’s a power that we cannot create on our own. And it’s a power that does not make sense to the world! Here’s what Scripture says:

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you… Acts 1:8

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalms 34:19 (Did you catch that the righteous will go through many trials??)

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall grow tired and weary, and young men shall stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31.

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All that to say, about a year ago I was talking with Bryan about a friend who was fostering an adorable little kiddo. Bryan looked me square in the eye and said, “I could never foster!” And God in Heaven laughed at him because guess what? Come July we will officially be licensed to foster to adopt!

It may look a little crazy but we have learned that by God’s strength, we can do it. He has called us and He is faithful to sustain us in that calling.

So the next time you see someone going through something difficult or you feel a God-given calling tugging at your heart, remember the lie of “I could never…” and pray for strength. He is good. He will lift you up. It will not be easy, but you can do it.