Yes, You Can!

          The other day, I heard an advertisement on the radio for a diet doctor.  A woman, giving a testimonial, proclaimed strongly that she has no time to exercise.  I shouted back to the radio,”Oh, yes you do!  You just choose to do something differently with that time.”  I know, because I could stand to lose a few pounds myself and know that I should exercise more and find all sorts of excuses to not exercise.  But, there is no question that I have time to exercise.  How many things like this are there in our lives?  I could find the time to write newsletter articles in advance of the deadline and save myself a lot of stress.  I have the time to clean out the garage and the basement, but always seem to fill that time with something else that I deem more necessary.  I have time to write a letter, wash the car, talk with my children or take a walk with my wife.  I have lots of time to pray or see if a neighbor has needs or to read my Bible, but often I conveniently fill that time, as well.

          What other things are you fooling yourself into believing that you don’t have time for?  Is it Sunday worship?  Or is it Sunday Church School?  Is it serving on council or a committee of the congregation?  Is it singing praise to God?  (yes, even during communion hymns) 

          It’s not only time that people manage creatively.  Some people think that they cannot possibly tithe.  Whether it’s tithing time, talents or treasures, we are only talking about 10%.  God gives us all we have and He can surely help us to get by on 90%.

          Well, you don’t need me to tell you that all things are possible with God.  So, don’t say that you don’t have the time or that you can’t do this or can’t do that.  God has given us our time and has equipped us to serve.  Let’s encourage one another to exercise our faith.

John Piper

For the stewardship committee