When You Say “I Can’t”
The most detrimental phrases to the dreams you have in your life start with... "I can't".
I remember dreaming about ideas I had for the ministry I was privileged to lead. I remember those dreams filling my soul and my spirit with hope. I remember starting to chase down those dreams and how I was driven by a spiritual adrenaline to reach more students with the Gospel. I remember the first time I said, "I can't" as well. It was debilitating, it was paralyzing, it wasn't fun to sit in.
That moment comes for every leader. The moment when you can let your insecurity, your fear of the unknown, your attitude of comparison keep you away from what could be. Saying "I can't" has serious implications for you as a leader. Here are 3 I have experienced and seen over the years:
1. When you say "I can't" you are giving in to a growth barrier.
You have a limitless ceiling in leadership, ministry & personal growth. The biggest deterrent is our mindset and attitude towards the tasks or goals at hand. The quickest way to create a barrier for yourself is to say that you can't do something. Instead, ask yourself what are the steps you need to take to complete the task or grow in a specific area. You can, if you believe that you actually can.
2. When you say "I can't" you allow your fear to win
The reality is that we are all afraid of things in our lives. I have a fear of failure, people I know have a fear of letting others down or even a fear of things going really well and what that will mean for them. Fear is the unknown ruling the future. Fear has no place in your life. As a follower of Christ, there is no reason to fear anything. In 1 John 4:18, we read that perfect love (God's love for us) casts out all fear. The war is won and God has ordained your steps, get rid of fear and step into all that God has for you!
3. When you say "I can't" you will never know what could be
Its not ok to let what could be keep you from what could be. "What could be", might be the difference between someone hearing the Gospel and experiencing Jesus for the first time and not. "What could be", may be life changing for someone affected. Fear is the wall between what is and what could be; and that wall needs ripped down. Failure is fine when you learn and grow from it. Decide right now that fear will not keep you away from what could be.
You absolutely CAN! Dream BIG, try new things, go after something that seems like a long shot but don't let fear stand in your way! YOU GOT THIS!
