“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13 NLT

Growing up, anytime I would say I couldn’t do something within earshot of my grandma, she would respond, “Can’t never could!”  It did not matter what it was that I claimed I could not do, her response was always the same.

Can’t never could.

I have been neglecting my health lately, and one of my resolutions for 2012 is to exercise more.  So I went to the local park for a walk and some fresh air.  The park was lively with many walkers and runners.  I was walking at a brisk pace, and every runner buzzed past me, leaving me in their dust.  As I continued my walk, I thought, “I wish I could run, but I can’t.”  And there was my grandma’s voice telling me “Can’t never could.”

“I can’t run, I am too old.”

“I can’t run, I am too overweight.”

“I can’t run, I am too slow.”

For every excuse that entered my head, my grandma’s words echoed through my mind, “Can’t never could.”

I began thinking about my resolution to persevere through change.  I realized I was allowing the excuses to get in the way of a change God wanted me to make.

So what if I’m old, it’s never too late to start.  Who cares if I’m overweight?  What better way to lose a few pounds.  I probably will be slow; you can’t run a marathon in a day.

Grandma was right.  Can’t never could.  But I can.  And I will.  So I prayed and asked God for the strength to run.  And then, I ran.

I ran at a snail’s pace, but I ran.  I had to stop and start many times.  But I ran.  God gave me exactly what I needed to persevere and I finished strong with the song Jesus Freak blasting on my ipod.

The next time you think you can’t do something, just remember my grandmother’s words.

Can’t never could.  But you can do anything with Christ who gives you strength.

Peace be with you.

~Julia