I Can’t 

Years ago, when I was a police officer, I was involved in a lights-and-siren, hot pursuit of a stolen car. A short time into the vehicular chase, the driver of the stolen car bailed out, and it was off to the races—me chasing the bad guy on foot. He had a pretty good head start and was a full city block ahead of me. I chased him for what seemed like an eternity (about a minute LOL). We ran through backyards, raced down alleys, and jumped over several fences. After running at full speed for a long time and not really gaining any ground, I slowed down and thought to myself “I can’t run anymore. I can’t continue this pace any longer." 

But no sooner did that thought enter my mind when, to my surprise, the guy I was chasing collapsed and lay motionless on the ground. That's when it hit me, "This guy is out of breath too.” I was pretty tired, but he was exhausted; that gave me renewed strength. I took a deep breath, basically crawled to the place where the bad guy had fallen, cuffed him; and then, completely bushed, laid on top of him until help arrived.     

You see, oftentimes during the storms of life, it’s just natural to think, “I can’t… I can’t do this anymore…I can’t continue at this pace…As hard as I try, I just can’t find a level of peace or get to an emotionally or spiritually healthy place.” 

Paul the apostle had some of these same thoughts when he faced extremely uncomfortable circumstances in his life. However, instead of succumbing to his own feelings and fears, instead of concluding “I can’t,” the Spirit of the Lord rose up inside of him, and in Philippians 4:13, Paul said, “I can—that’s right—I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." 

I know you’re weary, I know the around-the-clock pandemic bad news is extremely exhausting; but check it out, the enemy has already been defeated. By faith, the bad guy collapsed! Jesus chased Satan down and has already handcuffed him. Colossians 2:15 confirms it: "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, Jesus made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

I pray you find renewed spiritual strength today, and to help you along let me encourage you with a few bible verses. 

Isaiah 40:31 

but those who hope (wait upon) the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

1 Peter 5:8-9 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Please know, we are thinking about you and praying for you. We will get through the latest Michigan “stay home, stay safe," order. If you have any prayer or resource needs, please do not hesitate to contact the church office. 586.323.1730. 

Much love!

Pastor Tony