I Can’t . . . Or I Can Try

Physical therapy has pushed me to my limits, and possibly beyond. After several surgeries in the past year, my final surgery occurred 3 weeks ago . . . and the physical therapy for knee replacement has been a killer.

I’ve been known as a task-oriented “doer.” Give me a goal and get out of my way. “Can’t” rarely appeared in my conversation. But the past few weeks have seen me say those words again and again.

I can’t. I can’t do it. It hurts too much. I can’t.

I fully expected the physical therapist to argue with me. To tell me “Yes you can.” But she didn’t argue. She did not tell me I can. Instead, she said, “I know it’s difficult. Are you willing to say, “I can try”?

Yes, I could say that. I could say, “I can try.”

I Can Try

While the therapist’s goal was not a spiritual lesson, it became one for me beyond the application of physical therapy, with one slight tweak. I can try, but my efforts are not dependent on the limits of my own strength. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit—the Helper—who would be with us forever (John 14:16). He is the one who strengthens us in our spiritual walk. He equips us to fulfill God’s purposes for us. And He enables us to be His ambassadors to a needy world.

In my own strength, my response to these calls would be, “I can’t.” But I belong to the one who can. And that knowledge enables me to say, if not “I can,” then at the very least, “I can try.”

These Bible verses speak to our ability to persevere, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances:

• “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV).
• “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6 (ESV).
• “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 ESV).

What If We Fail?

I once read a challenge that asked, “What would you attempt if you knew you couldn’t fail?” Our fear of failure often stands as an obstacle to what God intends to do in, for, and through us. So we count ourselves out before God even begins to use us. But is it biblical to fear failure? What’s the worst that will happen if we fail?

Our heavenly Father is the God of second chances. And third and fourth and fifth and . . . you get the message. Consider the following verses:

• “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV).
• “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1 ESV).
• “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV).
• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV).

What are you facing today that is causing you to say, “I can’t”? It could be a physical, emotional, or spiritual challenge. With the assurance of the Holy Spirit’s presence, equipping, and guidance, will you say, “I can try”?