Do You Have What It Takes?

The following quotation was sent to me recently. I did not know who Hamilton Wright Mabie was but I liked his sentiment. 

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.       Hamilton Wright Mabie 

Jesus said something similar when the disciples bemoaned that he had asked them to do the impossible (in their minds.)  Here is my much abbreviated translation of Mark’s version of the feeding of the 5,000. If you want the real thing, look here 

Jesus: “You give them something to eat.”

Disciples (whining): “Are you out of your mind? Where are we going to get that kind of money?

Jesus: “Why don’t you see what you have first.”

Disciples (exasperated): “Where’s what we’ve got.”

Jesus: “Fine, that’s enough.”

We can do a lot more than we think we can. Our problem is that, too often, we compare with others (and pine and whine) rather than take inventory of what we really have in the way of abilities and resources. Too often, we forget that we are to carry out life depending on Jesus Christ.

Too, often we leave Christ out of our day and out of the equation.

What impossible things are you equipped to do today? When was the last time you invited Christ into your challenges? You’ve got what it takes!