Able and Willing

I was chatting with an older gentleman yesterday who's had some recent health problems.

He's been struggling for a while, but after some recent procedures, he's on the mend and is working hard to regain his stamina so he can return to what he loves most - skiing.

He looked me right in the eyes and said with fervent passion, "I will ski again."

I was inspired.

This sweet man reminded me not to take what we can do for granted.

We assume we will always be able to do the things we can do. Simple things like walking, talking, eating, or laughing are things some people would give anything to be able to do.

The harsh truth is that we won't be able to what we can do forever. My gosh, the idea of not being able to pop an Oreo in my mouth when needed is just to depressing to even think about.

Let’s get back to a more motivational vibe.

While we are able, we should be willing.

To be able is to have the skill, means, or opportunity to do something

To be willing is to be ready, eager, or prepared to do something.

So whatcha waiting for?

Can you be open to the possibility that you are able to do what God is calling you to do?

What if you have everything you need and just have to open up to the opportunities waiting around the corner?

This man knows how to ski; he’s spent years practicing and improving. Now the work begins of being open to the possibility that he can do it again.

Can you open yourself to be ready and eager?

How about getting excited and picturing it happening?

I imagine that man visualizing standing on his favorite snow-capped mountains, being with his friends, and smiling as he effortlessly cascades down his favorite trails.

Can you think of things you can do to prepare yourself?  

You've got no problem coming up with excuses and barriers, but what might it take you to get from here to there?

I see this man waking up, training, and pushing aside thoughts of fear, weakness, or obsolescence as his body strengthens and revives.

You can do so many things when you believe God and put your mind to it.

Can you open up and let God show you all the possibilities ahead of you?

You are able, are you willing?

I talked about being tenacious yesterday.

Let's be tenaciously willing to do all we can and more!

We gotta push past the barriers we put in front of us and be willing to live life to the fullest.

We ain't got time to shrink back and let another day pass without giving it all we got.

So, let me ask you again.

You are able, are you willing?

2 Corinthians 9: 6-8

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

Ephesians 3: 2024

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.