I Can Do

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13).

Several years ago a couple of boys climbed into an airplane, started up the motor, took off, circled the field, and safely landed the craft. The boys were in the wrong to take the plane up, but the people on the ground could not help marveling at their ability to handle a plane without ever having taken a lesson.

When the boys were asked where they learned to handle a plane they answered that they had studied how in comic books. It is unfortunate that comic books do not contain such thorough and useful information about many other things more appropriate to boys and girls. But it went to prove that with well-written instructions people can mas ter a rather difficult skill.

It was through Christ that Paul said he could do all things. Mind you, now, he said "all" things and not just a few hit-or-miss projects. And he didn't limit his abilities to things of the spirit.

Of course, there are limits to Paul's claim to be able to do just anything. By adding "through Christ" he cuts off many useless and questionable acts. We can not lift a freight car off its tracks and we could hardly expect Christ to help us do so just to let us show off. But if we had to do a hard feat for the sake of another person we could rely on Christ to help us in some way.

Our Bible may not tell us how to fly a plane, man a rocket ship to Mars, or do a problem in arithmetic. But the Word of God is a source of information on how to live and grow in such a way that when the time comes to do something big we shall be prepared for it.

While I am learning about your world, O God, help me to remember that your Word is my best guidebook.