Monday, September 6, 2010

Can or Can’t?

You’re too young! You’re too old! You aren’t skilled enough. You wouldn’t understand. You don’t have the resources. You don’t have the experience. You don’t have the qualifications. We’ve all heard some variation of, “You can’t!” But what do you do with those words? Do you let them sink in and allow them to stop you from your goals? Or do you ignore them and turn to God for support and affirmation?

David heard those words when he offered to face Goliath. His brother gave him a hard time about it and the very king of all Israel doubted David’s ability to face the giant. “You are too young,” King Saul said to him. (1 Sam 17:33). But these words didn’t stop David. He instead held onto his confidence in God. Because of his faith, he went on to become one of the greatest kings in history.

No matter what we do, someone will oppose us, someone will tell us we can’t, someone will share their doubts about us. But it’s what we do with the words that will make a difference to our lives because it’s all about where we put our faith. Do we trust what people have to say? Or do we trust God’s voice?

What do you do when you hear criticism and doubt?

16 comments:

Betty Manousos said...

I loved this post, Lynda. :) I realize that I need his strength and help in the midst of life's "storms"..

Blessings!

B xx

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Through God, all things are possible! I don't always remember this, but I try.

Amanda said...

Amen! Matt 19:26 "With men this is impossible, but with God all things ARE possible."

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Betty, I don't know where I'd be without Him :)

Alex, I try as well :)

Amanda, I put this verse in the verse of the day on my sidebar. It's good to remember.

Sharon said...

Lynda,
Hate to admit this, but I usually crumble when I hear criticism - then that leads to my own internal voice speaking doubts into my head. I am SO TIRED of being this way. Then I pray (maybe if I listened to God's voice FIRST!!! Hmmm...)

"You can't" - I want to view these words as ONLY a distraction from the goals that God gives me - not as a comment on my abilities (or lack thereof).

I JUST WANT GOD to work in me, through me, and for His glory!

BLESSINGS TO YOU!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Sharon, criticism is always a difficult thing to hear...so is listening to God's voice FIRST. hehe. One day I'll learn that too ;)

Blessings

Missie said...

Great post!

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Facing the Giants, is a good one...We do face a few now!
kim

Aliene said...

This post brought memories from childhood. Mom would always tell us "Can't never could do nothing."
But people are quick to tell you
and of course satan magnifies things. But we can be more than conquerors through our our Lord
and savior, Jesus Christ.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

this is so timely for me. I don't want to listen to others telling me what I can or can't do. I want to listen only to HIm. and so many times people have said...'you can't...' and then He opens the door for me to do it. Like writing my book. People said no way...no one knows you...and it won the national book award this last June. He knew...

Just Be Real said...

Perfect timing of this post. God's strength and provision is what I continue seeking. Blessings.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Missie, thanks :)

Kim, indeed. Blessings to you

Aliene, yes indeed, we are more than conquorers. Isn't Our Lord Great?!

Sarah, yes He knew. Your words needed to be heard and so through your faith and His power, you achieved what others doubted.

JBR, it's God's way. Blessings and hugs

From The Heart Online said...

Hmm. I've been pondering that thought in recent weeks too - do I move according to what others think or according to what God thinks? Big question. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

From the heart, God's way is always the best way (even when we can't see the benefits from where we are standing)

Karen said...

I usually don't let negative comments bother me...unless they come from a select few...then I wrestle with it...not necessarily doubt...but I hesitate...and that can be just as bad....

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Karen, I am a work in progress. Negative comments still bother me, but I'm working on it :)