How to Overcome I Can’t Beat This with I Can
By Gena Barnhill @BarnhillGena
Truth: I can overcome I can’t beat this and do all things by faith in Christ Jesus who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13; 1 John 5:4).
Lie: I can’t beat this.
Jacob approached Pastor John after the church service, his hands shaking and feet shuffling from side to side. “I’m desperate to be rid of my addiction to cigarettes. I just can’t beat this,” he said. “I’ve tried to stop smoking on my own, and it did not work. Then I went to the smoking cessation program at the Community Church in the next town because I did not want anyone to recognize me,” he confessed. “I feel so foolish. I stopped smoking for two weeks. Then my sister came to visit, and as usual, we got into a fight, and I started smoking again. Smoking is the only thing that relaxes me. Everyone in my family smokes, so it must be in our genes. I don’t see how you can help, but if you can, I’m desperate to try anything.”
Pastor John’s I CAN Response
Pastor John placed his hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “The lie, I can’t beat this, is a common struggle many people face when challenged with difficult circumstances. Whether it’s a habit, an addiction, a negative thought pattern, or a difficult situation, the feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming,” the pastor said. “However, when we turn to the powerful truths of the Bible and incorporate the acrostic “I CAN,” we discover with God’s strength and guidance we can overcome any obstacle in our path. Are you willing to ask the Lord to help you?”
“Yes, I’ve tried all I know to do, but still couldn’t beat it,” Jacob responded. “Maybe God can help.”
Pastor John shared the following walking-in-victory Scriptures with Jacob and gave him the acrostic “I CAN” to use in his prayer time. Jacob agreed to meet regularly with Pastor John to learn how to have a relationship with God and how to pray. He wanted to overcome I can’t beat this with I CAN.
How to Overcome I Can't Beat This with I Can #victoryinChrist #trustGod Share on XOvercome I Can’t Beat This with I Can Do All Things
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
This powerful verse from Philippians reminds us we are not alone in our difficult circumstances. When we have Christ’s strength pouring through us, there is nothing we can’t conquer. Whether the challenge seems impossible, or the battle appears never-ending, we have the promise of Christ’s power to see us through. We can tap into His unlimited resources to find the courage, power, and determination needed to overcome whatever lies before us. We can overcome the lie I can’t beat this.
The Acrostic “I CAN”
Identify the Issue(s). The first step in overcoming any challenge is to identify the issue(s) confronting us. Denial and avoidance of the concern only prolong the difficulty.
Choose to Seek Help. We need to decide to seek help, understanding we do not need to go through life’s difficulties alone. The Lord is always with us, and we need to turn to Him first for the solution. He also places people in our lives to assist and encourage us.
Anchor Yourself in God’s Word. God’s Word is a powerful source of reassurance, direction, and hope. Also, the truth of God’s promises and faithfulness in Scripture strengthen our minds and hearts.
Never Give Up. Persistence and determination are key. Despite setbacks and instances of discouragement, we choose not to give up and trust God is with us and will sustain us.
I Can Find Rest in Him
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
The lie that says, “I can’t beat this” often depletes our energy and leads to exhaustion. Jesus’s invitation assures us when we come to Him with burdens, He gives us rest. Even when the journey is overwhelming, we find comfort and peace when we abide in Jesus. He tells us His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Through Jesus, we receive the strength and comfort needed to endure and overcome.
I Can Overcome by Faith
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).
We can demolish the lie I can’t beat this by embracing the powerful truth that we are conquerors through Christ. We no longer need to experience helplessness and despair. Those who put their faith in Jesus and belong to Him have victory that overcomes the world’s challenges. Faith is trusting in God’s assurances and obeying His Word. When we walk in faith, we open ourselves up to God’s power to overcome adversity.
I Can Be Strong and Courageous
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
When we experience doubt and fear, this verse from Joshua provides a strong reminder of God’s constant presence and His charge for us to be strong and fearless. No matter how daunting the difficulty, we can act courageously knowing God is always with us. We are not alone in our struggle, and His strength will help us withstand every trial and tribulation and overcome the lie I can’t beat this.
Remember, in Christ, you are not identified by your challenges or limitations. Believing our circumstances are insurmountable is a lie that robs you of hope and strength to move forward. Instead, trust the Lord to guide you and declare, “I can overcome the I can’t beat this mindset and all obstacles because of Christ.” Lean on His promises and enjoy the freedom and victory that await you.
Now it is your turn. How have you dealt with circumstances that seemed insurmountable? Have you overcome the lie I can’t beat this?
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