Start saying “I can”

Maybe you have repeatedly heard the words “You can’t” throughout your life. Many people like to tell others what they cannot do. Even people you wouldn’t automatically consider to be against you – teachers, coaches, parents, family members, friends, and leaders of church groups or social events, who often fail to realize the power of their words over young lives. Many of us grew up thinking, “I can’t,” when that wasn’t true at all! No matter how often you have heard someone say, “You can’t,” stand on God’s Word and say, “Yes, I can!” Miracles come in “cans” – our belief that we can do everything we need to do through Christ who is our strength (see Philippians 4:13). God believes in you, and now is the time for you to believe in yourself. This is a new day! Put the past and all its disheartening remarks behind you. Words that speak of failure come from the enemy, not God, so determine right now not to allow the power of “you can’t” to affect you any longer. In contrast to the enemy, God’s Spirit encourages you and will do everything to urge you forward toward success in all areas of life. Facing the challenges of the promised land, God told Joshua three times, “Be…of good courage” (Joshua 1:6-9 NKJV). Always remember that if you feel “dis-couraged,” it’s from the devil. And that if you feel “en-couraged,” it’s from God. Decide to agree with God and say to yourself, “I can!” Today let the power of God’s Word dominate the power of every negative word that has ever been spoken to you or about you.