No, I can do it!

Ephesians 1: 18-20 (NIV)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you might know … his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power that is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead.

My kids love to build towers, especially using magnetic blocks! The problem is it can be quite difficult to get the structure to achieve what they want without an engineering degree.

Often, I’ll try to pitch in, offering to help or giving some suggestions. Mostly they quickly dismiss me, shouting, ‘No, I can do it!’ They then struggle for a little longer, growing more and more frustrated or disappointed in themselves. If they continue in that vein, they usually give up, thinking it’s too hard or they aren’t good enough.

Their stubbornness, their desire to do it in their own strength, means they missed out on the opportunity when I was there the whole time offering to help.

I wonder if, in our efforts to share the good news with those that don’t know Jesus, we may make a similar mistake?  I wonder if we unconsciously fall into the trap of thinking we have to do it on our own, but then we’re surprised when it’s too difficult or we feel incapable.

The truth is that we have the love of the Father, the guidance of the Spirit, and the power of Jesus available to us as we step out. We just have to be willing to accept we can’t do it alone, invite him to help, and – crucially – make space for him to help.

The next time you want to step out and share your faith with someone or see God move in someone’s life but get that ‘inadequate’ feeling, take a second to remind yourself that you do it in his strength, with his resurrection powering working through you.

 Prayer – God, just as Paul prays in today’s passage, I pray that you would open the eyes of my heart to see and know your resurrection power working through me today.