Throughout my life, I have often heard myself say something like, “Oh, I could never do….” or “No, that just isn’t in my nature to do.” Sometimes, I have even said, “I will never…”. I have heard many others say these things. We say these things when we see or hear of others doing them. I have a friend that is an amazing artist. Her paintings take my breath away, awaken my soul, and take my thoughts to peaceful places. It would be easy to look at her paintings and think, “I could never do that. I am not artistic.” But, that would be a lie.

Genesis 1: 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  Right there in black and white it says I am made in the image of God. Have you ever seen the sun rise or set? I would say that is very artistic. Therefore, I am artistic. Maybe not like my friend, but it is in there somewhere in a way unique to only me.

What are some of the other things we tell ourselves?

I am not a patient person by nature. Many people tell me they would never have the patience to homeschool. Others don’t want to wait 5 minutes for a meal. I could never be a teacher, those kids would drive me crazy. What is your patience level in traffic? Maybe your calling isn’t to be a teacher, but it isn’t because you lack patience. The first three words of 1 Corinthians 13:4 says that love is patient. What is love? 1 John 4:16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. See that underlined part? God is love and love is patient. Remember, if A=B and B=C, the A=C. So, you do have patience in you.

I could never foster a child because I would become to attached. I have spoken those words myself. Psalm 68:5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. So, God is a father to the fatherless. Ephesians 1:5a God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. Remember Whose image you were created in? Maybe helping a friend with her children for a day is how you can foster a child.
Missions trips are not my thing. I have never been on one and have no desire to go on one. Other people I know love them. I love talking to people right when they get home from one and experience second hand the presence of the Holy Spirit oozing out of them. I am not saying I would never go, but I don’t go searching for missions trip opportunities. Regardless, Mark 16:15 tells me to go. We are to go into ALL the world. If God really put it on my heart to go to some unchurched area and minister in practical ways, I would. But for now, I will GO into my kids rooms and their hearts and preach the gospel. I will GO to work and pray openly for my co-workers. I will GO to an elderly customers home and pluck her chin hairs so she can feel good about herself. You can go. Do you realize how far God had to GO to show you love? All the way to the cross. You can go next door to your neighbors.

How many people claim they hate to read. Do I seriously have to read the book of Numbers? Whoeth even talketh this wayeth anymore? John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Let that sink in. The Bible is God’s word, it is Him. I was made in His image. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days, Satan tempted him three times. Each time that Jesus responded, He started out with the same three words, “It is written”. You never know what you are missing out on by not reading. Reading equips you to do battle.

Even as I read the words I am typing, it is easy to see that these are all just excuses for what you and I don’t want to do. Things we refuse to do. Sadly, even things we are not willing to sacrifice for. We can’t even use the, “I don’t have time excuse.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. 

The refusal to even be open to do these things says; 

    This is too hard! God’s word says differently. Matthew 19:26  Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

     Loved ones aren’t worth it. God’s word says otherwise. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

     God is not enough. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

I understand that we were all given different callings and passions, but often we close ourselves off to other things just because it is NOT our calling or passion. We are all disciples. We are all God’s children. We were ALL made in His image. Open your mind and heart a little, then go look in the mirror. Do you see Him? If not, then clean the proverbial mirror and look again.