Have you ever heard someone say, ” when you were sure they could? For instance, when you tell your children, “It’s time for you to clean your room,” or “It’s time to take a bath,” or “I need you to take out the trash,” or “It’s time to stop playing video games,” and they respond “I am not Able TO.”
Generally speaking, most parents will respond in some way maybe even with, “Oh really? We will see about that.”
Now, let’s talk a moment about spouses. When your spouse says, “Honey, I need your help fixing dinner,” or “Honey, I need you to fill the car with gas,” or “Honey, I need you to fix the dryer; it stopped working today.” What if you said, “I am not Able TO.” Well, depending on a lot of factors, there would be varying actions displayed. Of course, I am sure they would be out of love and respect for each other. Ok, so where am I going with this?
If you read in Genesis 41:16 you will find this:
“I am not Able TO,” Joseph answered Pharaoh. “It is God who will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”
The statement of “I Am Not Not Able TO” shows a man who has great respect for his Heavenly Father. Matter of fact, I would say Joseph was very humble. He knew that only God could give the right answer to all that Pharaoh wanted to know.
Joseph put God first in everything. What this tells me and should tell you is this: we should tell others that We are not able to, but God Is Able.
In this chapter, Joseph points Pharaoh to God four different times. Genesis 41:16, 25, 28, 32. Then, in that same chapter (verses 38 and 39) Pharaoh mentions God two times and yields to God by putting Joseph in charge.
In Genesis 41 verses 51 and 52, Joseph names his two sons Manasseh (meaning, “God has made me forget all my hardships”) and then his second son Ephraim (meaning, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction”). Don’t you see it? WE must put God first in our lives. It is when we are being guided by His Holy Spirit we can truly say, “I am not Able To” and then saying, “but God can.” Only those who have submitted and humbled themselves before God understand that “Only God Can.”
Now as “Marshfield First Baptist Church” we need to have this attitude. We are not able to, but God is able. DO you believe it? I do.
I believe that God is preparing this church for some fantastic days ahead. Our best days are ahead of us if we humble ourselves, seek his face, and turn from our own thoughts and attitudes. Are you ready?
Blessings,
J.C. Beckner