I’m sure you have walked into a store before with something to exchange. Maybe it was an article of clothing that you decided you didn’t like, a pair of shoes that were uncomfortable, or a gadget that didn’t do what you’d expected. You entered the store with something that didn’t work for you, exchanged it, and left with something that did work for you-something that looked better, fit better, or was more functional. You had to trade what was not effective for something that was. The same principle applies to your thinking. If you will exchange your “I can’t” thoughts for “I can” thoughts and begin to say “I can do whatever I need to do in life because God strengthens me. I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and whatever He asks me to do, I can do,” you will see remarkable changes begin to happen. If you will build into your character the thought that, with God’s help, you are able to do whatever you need to do in life, you will have more zeal and enthusiasm about facing every day. I have found that I even have more physical energy when I think “I can” thoughts. It helps me to not dread anything that is an energy drainer. It’s never too late to begin saying, “I can.” Don’t think or say things like: “My marriage is in too big of a mess. It will never work,” “There’s no point trying to clean this house. It’s in such bad shape it just overwhelms me when I walk in and look at it,” or “I can’t get out of debt because I am in too deep.” “I will never own a home or have a new car,” or “I can’t enjoy my life because I have too many personal problems.” Some of the challenges you face may be very difficult ones, however God never allows more to come on us than we can bear, but with every temptation He always provides a way out! (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). That Scripture not only says He provides a way out, but it also says that He gives us strength to bear up under our challenge patiently. That means we can go through it with a good attitude!
Your attitude is actually more important than your challenges in life. If you will change your attitude to a more positive, faith-filled one, you will find that your trials are not as bad as you thought they were. I challenge and encourage you right now to consistently believe you are able to do anything that comes your way, with God’s help. You must also believe He wants to help you and will help you if you ask Him to do so. The devil may provide one of those “flashing thoughts” I mentioned that says, “You don’t deserve God’s help so don’t bother asking.” You can remind him that God doesn’t help you because you deserve it, but because He is good, and while you’re at it, why not remind the devil that you know he is a liar!
Think about It
Which “I can’t” belief in your life do you need to exchange for an “I can”?
Not Lost In Translation
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach the Bible to many people around the world. Because I can speak only English, I often work with interpreters who can take the words of my heart and translate them into the language of the people. Effective communication is directly dependent upon the skill of these translators. Whether it is Inawaty in Indonesia, Annie in Malaysia, or Jean in Brazil, they ensure that the meaning of my words is clearly expressed.
This work of translation resembles one facet of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of God’s people. In our times of prayer, we don’t always know how we should pray (Rom. 8:26), and verse 27 encourages us, saying, “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” When we go to our heavenly Father in prayer, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid by translating our prayers according to God’s good purposes for our lives.
What a provision! Not only does God desire for us to share our hearts with Him, He even provides us with the greatest interpreter to help us as we pray. We can be sure that our prayers will never get lost in translation.
Thank You, Father, for the provision of Your Spirit. I’m grateful that when I pray I can rest in Your help to make my prayers what they need to be. Teach me to lean on His perfect understanding of Your desires.
The participation of the Spirit assures that my prayers line up with God’s purposes.
Insight
Today’s passage is filled with hope and comfort. Though Paul describes the deep suffering and groaning of humanity and creation, his emphasis is on the nearness of our God and His affectionate care for His creation. Paul encourages readers in Rome-and us-with the thought that God knows us so well that His Spirit prays for us, translating our weak words into prayers according to the will of the Father (vv.26-27).
Read: Romans 8:19-27
[The Spirit] makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. —Romans 8:27
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 3-4; Mark 10:32-52
