"When You Think You Can't, God Can"

A little bit of a variation of the actual title, but it is close.  Adam preached today and this was the focus of his sermon from 2 Timothy 1.  I am so used to Jim's preaching style and presentation so I wasn't sure how I would react to Adam, but it turned out that, other than speaking very quickly, he was great!

The focus was that when we think we can't do things or accomplish something, that often when we turn it over to God, the 'impossible' happens.  God can do all.  He does answer prayer.  And he can make the impossible happen.

Two take-aways for me today from Adam's sermon. One is this:  When we consciously pray and ask for God's help or turn our problems or issues or concerns over to Him, He will take care of them--and us.

Case in point - I stress over hosting Thanksgiving.  No secret.  And the girls and Gary would probably just laugh if they read that (and I know Gary never reads my blog and I doubt that the girls do, at least not consistently) because I just get nervous and stress out and fuss too much each and every time anyone is coming to our house for any reason.

But this time I prayed every morning for peace, for patience, for the expectation of fun with family not that the house be perfectly organized or that the food be prepared to perfection.  As Thursday approached, everything fell into place.  My stress level was lower than usual, and even though my stomach hurt and I felt jittery inside on Wednesday, I was fine.  Thanksgiving was the best, and I truly believe that God does answer prayers because he did answer mine. 

The second thing is that Adam related how he had received a call from Tony that things for his ministerial duties were not going to roll along as smoothly as had been expected.  Adam shared that he had lain on the floor in front of the altar and laughed.  Not just a sad cry of disappointment, but a laugh that was borderline hysterical. And it wasn't because he was happy or sad or that his plans had fallen through and 'Now what?" was to be the primary question for seeking an answer.  It was different.

Why this stood out to me is that I was hysterically laughing when Angie called on Wednesday morning to tell us that they were getting a late start and they would be arriving here later than planned.  I didn't know they were staying with us, but it all worked out fine.  At least we had spent some time the day before cleaning the room Nick would sleep in and there was room on the fireplace room floor for the air mattress for Mike and Angie. I was very thankful they were here, especially on Thursday evening after everyone else had left.  Angie was manning the dishcloth and scrubber so that all of the leftover dishes and flatwear would be clean.  The kitchen and dining room area was whipped back into shape quickly. 

Sometimes I think..."I can't do all of this..." and I do.

Sometimes I think..."I will never be ready on time..." and I am.

Sometimes I think..."I am too afraid to....." and I am not.

Prayer and trust.  Powerful combination.  They will do it every time.  If I think I can't, I know God can.