These words are never truer than when they are cried out to God. Unfortunately, they are far too scarcely used. “I can’t do this, Lord; I can’t do this without You” is a cry of vulnerability, a cry of dependant acknowledgment, a cry of gut-wrenching faith – and music to the heart of God.

From the time we are born we are being trained by our culture to be independent. Unfortunately, it is contrary to God’s training of dependence.

Let’s face it, none of us like the feeling of vulnerability. None of us like having to rely on another person for anything. None of us like to admit we can’t do something ourselves. None of us like to be dependent.  We fight against getting to the very place of knowing and feeling –
“I can’t do this alone.” 

Admittedly there are those occasions when we are so utterly overwhelmed that our only thought with every breath is…”I can’t do this.” In those times it is “easier” (though now automatic) to go the next step to cry out in faith.  “I need you, Jesus.”  When we are hurting and suffering, it is natural to cry out for help in our weakness. 

What about those times when we are feeling quite confident, like when we are functioning in our area of strength and we don’t give a second thought to needing help – because we believe “I can do this.” 

Isn’t it true that we tend to be drawn to and accept the tasks and assignments that we are confident we can handle?

Yet, isn’t it also true that even then, in our strength,  the cry of our hearts needs to be, ” I need You, Jesus, I can’t do this in Your strength for Your glory without You.” 

God doesn’t want us to walk in His strength only in our weakness but also in our strength, that He may be lifted up and glorified in ALL we do. 

….for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.   1 Corinthians 10:31

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is part of the ministry team at America’s Keswick.  She is a regular writer for Victory Call and one of the authors of Crossing the Jordan Bible Study.  Diane has been married to her husband John over 27 years.  She has 2 adult children and 3 grandchildren and 3 adult step-children with 7 grandchildren making 10 in all.  She delights reading and teaching, but mostly laughing at the funny things her grandchildren say and do.