I Can

How many times do we wait for others to give us permission to succeed?  We wait for the applause before we perform, we wait for the money before we sell, and we wait for others to confirm we are going the right way before we take a step in that direction.

Isn't this people-pleasing wrapped up in a pretty bow, but instead of doing something to please people, we are waiting to please people before we start doing it.

However, tonight I've decided something.  I've decided that I can.

I'm no longer going to wait for others permission to succeed.

See I always thought this was a humility thing.  You know sit at the lowly spot at the table and wait for the host to move you to the greatest seat.  However, I was sitting at the wrong table.

I sit at the lowly spot at my teacher's table, or my friend's table, or even at the table of the person I happen to be in charge of.  Humility is not sitting at these tables, pride is found here.  I'm waiting for their approval, for them to move me up, for them to tell me I have the ability to succeed.

I should be sitting at the Lord's table.  I sit in the worst spot at his table, and yet he blesses me beyond all that I've ever imagined.  He raises me up when I don't deserve it.  The relationship with the Lord shows me both that I absolutely cannot, but with Him, I can.

I can be freed from other people's permission, opinions, or approval.  I can walk boldly to the path the Lord has called me on.

I can fight the enemy.  I can win this battle.

I don't need your permission because I absolutely cannot, but with Him, I can.

So many times have I masked my own pride in my humility.  So many times I turned to others when I should have been on my knees.

So many times I've counted on others permission to succeed.  So many times I've waited for someone to help, when I've had everything I need.

I absolutely cannot, but with Him I can.