Below is my article that appeared in the Feb. 5 issue of the South Georgia Advocate. Not a subscriber? Visit www.sgaumc.org/advocate and subscribe today!
Yes, you can!
Hello, beautiful people of South Georgia,
Jack Canfield captures the true story that took place in 1977 in Florida. A woman, at the age of 63, picked up the back end of a car to get it off her grandson’s arm. Prior to that experience, the woman had never lifted anything heavier than a 50-pound bag of pet food. What seemed like the impossible became possible.
Yesterday I prayed for two women who were scheduled for surgery on the following day. These two did not know each other. They lived miles apart but were going through similar situations at the same time on the same day. Yesterday I heard about a friend whose family member had lost their job. Yesterday I heard about hundreds of students who are being blessed on one of our college campuses because you have generously given. Yesterday I heard how our St. Mary’s Foundation is not only helping people globally but many of our caring projects in South Georgia as well. Yesterday I heard one of our pastors share a story about a clergy person who seemed to have had little financially but at his death left one million dollars to several agencies that are caring for the least among us. Yesterday I heard a parent talk about being grateful as she led her son to the store to purchase supplies for a health kit for Haiti. This little boy was amazed that there are some in Haiti who do not have water to drink.
For every tragedy there are equally as many good news stories of how the faithful have partnered with God to be light in the world. When an earthquake occurs in our lives as in Haiti it frames our circumstance but it does not define who we are. Paul writes in Philippians 4: 12-13 “In any and all circumstances I have leaned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I am so thankful for all the pastors, staff and congregations that are doing an excellent job in making disciples of Jesus Christ. Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged over the situations and circumstances that fly in the face of God’s promise. As your bishop, I am deeply committed to being a part of the church that is breaking through the lifeless and lost parts of the mission of the church. I join many of you who are prepared to put it all on the line in the hope that a Christ-like world is possible. What we hope for requires an unshakable faith in God to do what God said God would do in the Bible.
When I think about the woman who picked up the back end of a car at 63, I am reminded that all things are possible when we forget about what we can’t do and focus on what we can do.
I ask you this – what is going on in your life where your current situation is getting more attention than your faith in God to do great and marvelous things?
I am willing to say, “Yes, We Can!” because I believe our congregations can catch on fire and turn the world to God who saves.
Are you willing to say, “Yes, I can!” in spite of some health problem?
Are you willing to say, “Yes, I can!” in spite of some financial barrier?
Are you will to say, “Yes, I can!” in spite of some who say it can’t be done?
Say to yourself today, “Yes, I can!” and then get started or keep going or cross the finish line. Because God is with you, it can be and it will be done. Glory to God! Yes, you can!
Well, until next time remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.
With love,
Your Bishop,
James R. King, Jr.
