There seemed to be an air of excitement among the congregation last Sunday as we announced the theme for 2015—“With God We Can!” It is not overly profound, and it is obviously not original. Four words. Twelve letters. But, it packs a powerful punch when you think about it.
“With God We Can” fixes our attention where it needs to be! Too often in this life, we spend too much time focused on self and focused on things. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that success will only be ours by “fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
“With God We Can” puts our trust in the power of God and not man! Our mentality is usually, “I can handle this…I’ve got this!” When, in reality, it should be, “God can handle this…God’s got this!” Recognizing our limitations but God’s limitlessness ought to remind us that “the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Cor. 4:7).
“With God We Can” reaffirms our faith! When those four words (“With God We Can”) become more than a slogan and become indelibly inscribed deep into our hearts, then our faith will not waver at the onslaught of Satan’s attacks. Rather, we will be “strengthened in faith…being fully convinced” that God (and God alone) is able (Rom. 4:19-21).
“With God We Can” gets me busy in the Lord’s work! When I realize that it’s not about me and when I realize that I’m never alone in working for the Lord, then I should be motivated to get to work. The promise of the Lord as we teach the gospel is, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). As you work out your salvation, “it is God who works in you” (Phil. 2:12-13).
“With God We Can” helps us get through each day! In his final letter before his execution, Paul was still focused on what others needed to hear, rather than on what he needed. He wrote: “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim. 1:12). God helps us through it all!
“With God We Can” empowers us to encourage each other! How often do we ask each other, “How am I going to get through this? What am I going to do?” Let us use the Word of God to reinforce to one another that no matter the trials and circumstances, “With God we can!” “Comfort each other and edify one another” (1 Thess. 5:11).
“With God We Can” gives us hope! It is true—“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). It is true—“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Heb. 6:19). It is true—“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). With God we can!