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I remember so vividly the day I stood there, exhausted and spent.
The piles of laundry heaped on the couch reminded me of how many more tasks my to-do list recorded.
“I just can’t do it,” I repeated in my head, over and over again.
I was ready to throw in the towel,
and I crumbled.
A blubbering mess I cried out to God, “I just can’t do one more thing!”
I was tired and overwhelmed and feeling defeated.
But in that tender way, so familiar to me in times of brokenness or discouragement, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the truth: I can do it.
In my weakness, God is strong! I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.
Yes, I was tired.
Yes, I had too much on my plate in that season.
Yes, our family was walking through a rough patch,
but the real reason behind my bawling was the lie I bought into:
“I shouldn’t have to do it all.”
“I need a break.”
“I deserve some help around here.”
I, I, I, I, I.
I was only thinking about me!
By saying, “I can’t,” over and over again, I convinced myself that I really couldn’t do one. more. thing.
But I was wrong.
God gently reminded me that I can, I just didn’t want to.
I wanted someone to do it for me.
I didn’t want all of the responsibility and obligation.
I didn’t want to sacrifice or be expected to do anything!
I wanted my equally exhausted husband to pick up the slack and do what I could do.
I could, I just didn’t want to.
In that moment of realization, all of that anxiety and frustration in me broke.
I confessed to God and asked Him to be my strength and my joy!
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
I can do hard things.
I can do one more thing.
when I depend on Him!
Question for You:
Have you ever needed a change in perspective like I did? In what areas have you been telling yourself, “I can’t,” that might actually be, “I just don’t want to”? Are you facing any weaknesses you can surrender to the Lord and instead trust Him to be your strength?
Erika,
I love your thoughts and writing. Even though I am in a different season of life, it is amazing how your thoughts are so timely for me. God is definitely using you to minister to others.
Susan
Susan, thank you so much for your kind words … and I did get your e-mail (which blew me away!). Will write you very soon!
-e
a new perspective? ummmm. most every day??? this is a great post!
What great timing, I have been dealing with this feeling of “can’t do one more thing” as my youngest has started to teethe, which translates as only 90 minute naps throughout the night, never really sleeping. So as a result all my daily to-dos stress me out and cause many “can’t do one more thing”. Thank you for the reminder of my real strength isn’t mine
I know those days well, Marissa! Lean into His strength … and remember to take naps, too! Sometimes we don’t give ourselves permission to REST but God commands that as well! Praying for you and your sweet little one tonight.
Oh…I can relate…I trusted I too much and looked out for I way to long…so thankful to God that He can do all….great post..blessings~
I often find myself caught up in me..then selfishness always come through. Many times it has to do with the house and feeling like I do it all. This was a good reminder to check my attitudes.
A friend of mine recently commented that saying, “I can’t” is really a “I won’t” statement. It is more about will and choice…I admit that when children are throwing up, and out the other end and I am worn that I have uttered those all about me or I statements to the Lord…only to find His grace and strength right there to lean on. Yes, we can ONLY do ALL things THROUGH Jesus…nice that we don’t have to depend on our own strength. Darn that self-reliance gets me into trouble more than I care to admit. Visiting from SDG today! :)
Oh Dionne! I couldn’t agree more! :) Thanks for taking the time to stop in and comment!
e
Enjoyed your thoughts.
Erika, I SO appreciate your words! It’s a constant battle to focus on TRUTH, and how God does give us the strength when we don’t feel we can do one more thing!
Blessings,
Jessica
I have definitely been there. In every way, even with the Holy Spirit leading me to keep on. Even early this week, I was aware of I can’t. I can’t keep this house clean and spend time with my kiddos too. I had to let the Spirit lead me to do what is important when there are an overwhelming number of things to do at once.