Sometimes I just want to shout, “I can’t DO THIS!”
Circumstances can get overwhelming.
Relationships can be frustrating.
And there are days when I just can’t figure out what to do.
I was having one of those week recently, and God used my little one to help me see the missing piece in my process.
Aster was trying to play a game on our iPad when she shouted, “Mom, I can’t do this!”
She was in the living room and I was in the kitchen washing dishes. Without even really thinking about what I should say, I instinctively responded: “If you can’t do it, just bring it to me.”
And as those words came out of my mouth, I realized that is God’s response to me, when I’m struggling.
He says, “If you can’t do it, Renee, just bring it to Me.”
When I’m hurting, overwhelmed, or confused.
God says, “If you can’t ___________ just bring it to Me.”
This week if you start feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated or uncertain …. remember to bring it to God.
Take what you can’t handle and put it in His hands.
Watch God take your “I can’t…” and turn it into something He can.
What is an “I Can’t…” that you can give to God this week? Share it in the comments and let’s pray for each other this week. How about we share ours, and then leave a short prayed for someone who left a comment above ours. {I’ll go first}.
Your “I can’t” can be as simple as “I can’t get all the laundry done” or as complicated as “I can’t figure out God’s will for my life” or as private and short “I can’t forgive my husband”. {If you’re reading this via email, please click here to leave a comment below this post on my blog}
God I can’t get my business going (card business). God I can’t seem to get out of debt. God I can’t release Sidney and Chris from prison but I know you can. God I can’t give my sister Rachel the desires of her heart but I know you can. Lord I place all my unspoken prayers into Your hands. Holy and gentle hands. Mighty are the works of Your hands. In Jesus Name.
Lord, I lift your name up high as you are our Jehovah Jireh, and provider of all our needs. Anything that is impossible to us is possible to you. You are our shepherd and we shall not want you made us lie down in green pastures , you lead us before the still waters,you restore our souls you lead us through the path of righteousness for your name’s sake. eventhough we walk through the valley of shadow of dead we shall fear no evil for you are with us. You prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemy. You anoint our head with oil, our cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow all the days of our lives and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I lift the prayers of my sister’s in your hands and I pray that you provide according to your riches and glory and I pray for a special anointing and discernment on each and everyone of the situations on this prayer chain. I trust, that You will come through at the right time and the right place. Let us rest and listen to your voice. I rebuke the enemy and his army that is keeping away from your word and promises you have for us. I now ask Lord for your blessing on my home, we fell behind on our payments and now it has escalated to a foreclosure. I know that you provide a home and food for the birds and I know that you have a plan. I pray that you take care of my situation and that you deliver your blessings on my household. I trust in your Word and your Love and I know that You are carrying me in this situation and all my sisters in Christ. I lift this prayer in Jesus name and Believe in my heart that you have solved our situations and shown us your purpose. Thank you Lord in Jesus name I pray. AMEN!!
I am scared I can’t do what it takes to lose weight, not rely on food as my drug of choice in stressful times and to get back into an exercise routine. God PLEASE turn this into I did, not I failed.
Why “can’t I” completely forgive my husband for a 3 year affair? I still, after 2 years , look at him and think how could you have done that to me. Why can’t I drop it and just let it go? I think about it way to often and it is still very painful. Why do I give the pain to God and then take it back? Why is forgiving and forgetting so very hard!! I try so hard to be loving – kind – and tenderhearted – but it takes a lot of work!!
Pat,
Forgiving and forgetting are 2 very different things. Take it from someone who knows, but from a different view. Forgive him, but do it for YOU and YOUR relationship with God, not for him. Forgivness is not about the other person, it is about your walk and your relationship with God. I think once you can understand that, the rest will come. It is not easy and 2 years is such a short time. It has been 7 for us and we still struggle. It does get easier. Don’t ask why it happened. That is a question that cannot be answered. It was his sin, not yours. Just understand that it was NOT YOU!!! Trust me. Please, if you need support of any kind, reach out. You can always feel free to reach out to me also!
Lord, please be with Pat and give her the peace that only You know how to give. Show her how to forgive, the way you forgave us. Please be with this marriage and make it stronger and not let sin win. Thank you Jesus for your sweet forgivness!
I can’t stop this single, never-been-in-a-relationship, starving for male attention (scary but true) 40-year-old heart from thinking about and pining after my unsaved neighbor. Like a moth to a flame. Why would God put him there???
I can’t make it through this week without God. I need to pray continously.
Lord, you created Tura and know her….SEE her…..most intimately. She is right, Lord, in that she can’t make it through this week without you and needs to pray continuously. Please hear her prayers, Holy Spirit, and intercede for her every moment of each day. She is the apple of your eye and needs to sense, feel, and KNOW you this week in a new way. Help her to remember…”Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered.” Matt 10:29-30 Help her to see You. Help her to know how much You love and care for her. Help her believe that You are enough. Thank you, Lord.
I can’t seem to get beyond the overwhelming circumstances in my family.Especially my youngest son,Jeremy and his family.So much turmoil and change.I appreciate prayers for us,and for me to hear and follow Gods leading through these icy waters. Thanking Him always,Rachel
I can’t seem to balance my time and weight. I have the want-to, jsut lacking the drive…
Venus,I understand the part of where and how to begin.For me;I pick the one that seems to be the lesser of the two(to not begin too overwhelmed).Because stress and our weight issues seem to be buddies……:) Pray for God to show you the best way to manage your time,and I believe you may find the other issue will become take care of itself! There is a good book out on bounderies.Helped me!
Other issue of weight will take care of itself.Seemed to have 2 thoughts collide! 😉
Thank you so much for this post. I am so guilty of trying to fix all my problems myself and as we know that doesn’t work. I made a copy of this and put it in front of me at work and on my fridge. thanks so much for writing what I know that I should be doing.
I just can’t figure out what to do about my job.
I cannot lose weight. The enthusiasm is gone. Pray increasingly, but the get up and go got up and left.(380#) Need to use a walker to get around. This is absolutely so overwhelming.
The Lord is well-known and loved in my life, just wished I could get out of His way. And allow him to put an end to my unseemly impossible problem.
Blessings,
Patricia
I can’t control my harsh words to those I love. We pray in the name of Jesus that the above medical problems, depression, and illness will be lifted immediately in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen
Multiple chronic health issues and failing med’s. Major depression, anxiety, insomnia and chronic nausea and weight loss. Battling this for a year and treatment is difficulty due to med’s exacerbating a chronic progressive health issue. Prayer, cried, prayed, begged and in despair. Try to give to God but the hopelessness, despair and not having any peace or rest due to circumstances. Pray and then worry. Anxiety makes all of this worse. Feeling hopeless and forsaken even though I know that is not true. Still how I feel. The pit of depression is horrific. And feeling like a burden to those I love only makes it all worse. Will try to remember, since I can’t do God will with hopes that the continual spiritual warfare and attacks will not prevail. Thank you for prayers.
PJ
Hi PJ,
I am sorry about everything you are going through. I too am suffering with anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia and feeling hopeless. I pray that God helps get you out of this disgusting pit. The one thing that helps me when I am feeling like this is listening to Joyce Meyer. You can go to her website and choose which sermon applies to how you are feeling at the time or look her up on YouTube. She talks a lot on depression and anxiety. I always feel better after listening to her.
I can’t seem to figure out God’s will for my life and I don’t want to mess up and go in different direction from Him.
Hi Renee! I really love reading your blogs. They’re truly a blessing. This one hit home because I can’t understand God’s Word that’s why I don’t read it hardly ever. I know that’s NOT an excuse NOT to read it but it’s the truth. I really need help to understand God’s Word so I can understand God better. Please pray that this will happen and I’ll pray too. Together we’ll see that God comes through for me. Thank you and may God bless.
I can’t seem to figure out God’s will for my life either. I can’t seem to stop worrying. I can’t stop arguing with someone. They are always starting with me and no matter which approach I try to take, they keep starting with me until I break.
I can’t find the words to help my teenage daughter navigate her friendships. I keep giving it to God and I keep taking it back. The tears, the worry, the hurt are all too real and raw for her. I know God will heal these girls and bring them back together. It is hard for her to see the bigger picture. Prayers for her heart, and this mom as well.
God, I can’t do this any more. The mounting medical bills and escalating depression is just what the enemy wants. I know You have always been there for me and always will, but this month has been extremely difficult. Lord, thank you for sharing all the Proverbs 31 women and my church family as they provide continuing prayers. Keep me strong in faith during this difficult time. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Oh Lord, I pray your covering on these women. They are all crying out, reaching out to you with all their hearts. Please fill them with your perfect peace and reveal yourself to them in ways that they can understand and grasp. Lord our Great and mighty God reach down into the hearts of these women, your little girls, and touch their hearts. Reveal your great love to them. In Jesus name Amen!
I can’t stop taking life so seriously. Ugh!
I can’t seem to be the godly wife God wants me to be. My husband doesn’t take my needs and wishes into consideration when making decisions for us. I feel like I don’t matter. I keep trying but last night I really lost my temper and said a lot of hurtful things to him, he is really hurting now. I feel ashamed! We really need prayers to get past this.
Hi Carrie
I know that it can be very unsettling when you and your husband are not in sync with each other. I go to The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX. Our Pastor is preaching on “A Beautiful Design” which is about men and women’s roles according to the Bible.
If you get a chance you should go online and listen. It might help you and your husband see how God wants you to live and treat each other. It’s been very interesting, because they way he explains it makes so much sense, but the world and temptations makes it much more challenging. I hope that you’re both open to listening to his podcast, it might just help.
Lord be with Carrie and her husband. Let them sit down and be with you and let them surrender their differences to you. Lead them out of their anger and confusion on how they are with each other. In Jesus Name. Amen
Here is the link: http://www.thevillagechurch.net/resources/sermons/
Lord, I pray you will remind Lisa that you are all she needs to fill all the broken areas of her life. You alone are Father to the fatherless, provider for the single mother, the best friend we will ever have. You see every tear we shed, every heartache, every injustice we have endured, and you promise to make our crooked paths straight. I pray you will show your face to Lisa & will be a lantern on her path. Please Lord lead Lisa closer to you & wrap your loving arms around her. Make her feel safe & protected. I am struggling with my fear of not bring able to provide for my family. As a single mother of 4, I am yet again in an unstable work environment. The company is not doing well and layoffs are soon to come. I want to enjoy my children and demonstrate a faith that relies fully on The Lord and that includes not living in fear. I feel very vulnerable financially.
God I can’t stop to worry about my future, my family, my financial, my kids and my work problem.Help me lord im just feel exhausted and fearfull !! 🙁
I can’t seem to get myself to bring all my things that are in storage since my husband and I separated to my new apartment. I need to bring the POD from Northern California to Texas. I just moved into an apartment with my daughter. We need are things to make this place a home. I’m scared to see all of my things knowing that I have to probably sell some things because they won’t fit in the apartment. Some things I won’t have a problem with others I don’t want to but I’m not sure why. I really don’t want to be reminded that I am no longer with my husband – for the last year I haven’t dealt with it. One reason I came back to Texas was to try and work things out but my husband has shown me that he does not want that. So now I need to move forward and I’m sad that my family is no longer together.
I really can’t and don’t want to deal with this next step – So Lord I’m surrendering this to you. Please give me the peace and courage to move forward on this. I pray the process is smooth and easy to get everything to Texas. With a price I can afford. Lord I know that you have been with me every step because I couldn’t have done it with out You. So please continue to be with me and guide me through this next season.
LORD,
Please guide Lydia to do the next right thing. Wrap your loving arms around her and her daughter. Be with them as them make their new home. Show them that in their weakness, you are strong.
Amen
Thank you Aimee for the prayer –
Dear Lord, be with Janet as she goes through this difficult time. Your word says we are to not fear or be dismayed for You are with us. Comfort Janet and let her know that You can handle every difficulty that comes her way. Strengthen her and uphold her. Amen
In Gods perfect timing I so needed this today. We are dealing with a family member that is an alcoholic and doesn’t want to be helped. Dealing with someone that has all these problems doesn’t just effect her…its like a pebble in the water rippling and touching so many lives. She is living in our home as is currently homeless. She continues to sneak her drinking and lieing. My husband is so patient with her and honestly I am growing increasingly frustrated. Its just exhausting.
i know I can’t handle this on my own…I give it all to God. HE will show us the way.
Dear Heavenly Father – thank You for giving Kim the strength (mental, emotional, spiritual) to love her family member with an alcohol problem. I pray for a complete distate to overcome the family member’s desire for alcohol and lies. Please Father give Kim an extra measure of Your grace and love to share with others. We stand together in giving it all to You, Lord. We ask for revelation of Your way to handle this matter. In Jesus Name…AMEN.
I am just so overwhelmed with life. Recently divorced with no family and lost most of my friends in the divorce. Now I am trying to raise 2 kids that are trying to find their way in life while dealing with a broken family. I have prayed and prayed for so many years for the holes in my heart to be filled and each time it feels like the Lord is ignoring me. My faith used to be so strong. I used to be able to encourage others and now I feel empty.I have no desire for church, no desire to reach out to the Lord in prayer. I do not understand why he chose me for this path or what I have done to deserve such lonliness. I have tried all my life to be a good person and follow him and now it truly feels like he has turned his back on me. I honestly do not know where to turn..I have been faithful for so long and waited on the Lord but it seems he never hears or answers me. I am just exhausted with my attempts to hold onto my faith while waiting for the Lord. I don’t know how much longer I can continue to trust and wait on him. 🙁
You are not alone Lisa. I am struggling with a very similar situation & resulting feelings. I have no special words of wisdom, no answers for you. Just know that I am right there with you. Things I have come to learn/work on absorbing are that feelings can lie (just because I feel alone, does not mean that God has left me) and that God’s nature does not change when my circumstances do (he is not just there in good times). I pray that God will direct you to the right resources for you & your family in this tough time. Also that his peace will invade your heart.
hughughug
Lisa – I know that everything seems overwhelming. The one thing I know is that when you’re feeling the worst, you need to be in the Word and asking for the Lords help and guidance. Don’t turn away from him because this is the time you need to be going to Him, not turning away. It may seem like He’s not there for you but He is. Get into a LIfe Group with your church, so that you have support while you are going through this difficult time. They can pray for you and they can support you, so you don’t feel like you’re alone. It might feel uncomfortable but you need to pursue the Lord. It will get better – it won’t be in your timing but in the Lord’s timing.
Be grateful each day for what you do have. You’re not alone ever!!! Seek the Lord and He will give you peace and courage to walk through this.
It’s been a difficult weekend. My financial situation is pressing, my daughter and grandson are living with us now, my husband is out of town working until Thanksgiving and my car died on the way home from work Friday night. Very likely that it cannot be repaired, or if it is, we are looking at the neighborhood from $2,000 to $3,000. Trying to get a car loan is going to be difficult now but I have to have some transportation getting to work. I have turned this issue over to God, as He is in control…however, it is still affecting my every thought. Prayers are very much appreciated.
I can’t deal with having MS. It is causing so much nerve pain in my body. I can barely move. I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t want to live my life in pain all the time.
Father, we know that you are the Great Physician and you know everything that is going on regarding Karen’s condition. Please touch her today to reduce the pain that she is having, work beside her doctors that attend to her and help them get medication and therapy that will reduce this pain. Grant her peace that only you can give and direct her thoughts to you. Your grace is sufficient for our all of our needs and we thank you and praise you. Amen.
I can’t face the reality of my life. An emotionally abusive marriage ended years ago but the divorce negotiations are still on-going and have stripped me of my family, my dreams, my home, my confidence and left me in a huge financial hole. Prayers for protection, relief, justice and restoration have gone unanswered. It feels like God has taken my “I can’t” and responded with “God won’t” instead of “God can”.
Lord please bless Lyn as she is dealing with an the residual effect of an abusive marriage that is still on going. Lord you are in control of all situation I as that you show Lyn you are God of all and that you are her protection and comfort during this time. In Jesus Name
Wow….I need this simple, yet very important reminder!! I just told someone the other day that I’m throwing my hands up in the air and yelling, “I quit!” I can’t do it all, handle it all, deal with it all and I’m so frustrated! What a great reminder to give it to God. Thank you!!
I can’t figure out if I should move for my job that I enjoy (and leave my family and friends behind) or stay where I am and find another one.
Hey Jessica
I have been in your shoes. I moved a 24 hour drive away from all my friends and family 15 years ago. Praying that God will make it clear to you where he is leading you and that he will give you peace. Not an easy decision, that’s for sure! I think that no matter what you decide, God will use you where you are.
hughughug
I can’t figure out how to give it all to God.
Lord continue to show Katie how much you love her and want the best for her.
I struggle with anger toward myself and others. I am so exhausted. Just reminded to give those I can’t statements to Him today!
I can’t seem to let go aND let God!! I know He is calling me but I can’t seem to let go and give him full rein!!
God I can’t stop bingeing please take this from me. I love you.
Abba – please help c’s grandson. please take away whatever hurt or physical damage he may have that is causing his outbursts. please help him to know Your love for him, please calm his poor little soul. help him to know his gramma loves him & wants him to be with her but there has to be a safe environment. please Father God. please.
I have been sick for two months with a repeat infection. It is very painful, and debilitating. I have been praying and asking God to heal. I know He is faithful, but I am just so weary, some days I “can’t” see the end of this.
I can’t seem to be able to conquer the control of food in my life. While I continually try to crave God and not crave food, it seems that when I am tired and in a hurry, food wins. This week, moment by moment, I am going to replace my “I Can’t” with “He can!” Thank you so much for this very timely word from the Lord!
I have been there, Angelique. The whole “me” life crumbling while the outside me is fine. I am oraying that you will find our God to be your Refuge and Fortress is all things. He will uphold you and lead you. A light to your path. Nothing is too hard for Him. Tell Him, and give Him the burden. He is so much better at this stuff than we are. Praying for you!
I don’t know what’s God plan is for me in my personal life. He has laid the perfect gift in my hands that I have an awesome business thanks to him. But my personal life is in shambles
I cant handle my grandson. He has been in a behavioral center now for going on 5 months. They adjusted his meds and therapy seemed to be going well. He had a release date for October twice and failed to behave. Lately he has done well and we had a 48 hour pass this weekend. At our therapy session on Friday we decided (without him present) that maybe after our session this week he could do his pass and then come home. He has been so good and cooperative. But about 2 hours before it was time to go back he went crazy. I wanted him to get his hair cut. He went off and became the old Chris. He screamed, cussed, kicked the car.
Tried to grab steering wheel, pulled and broke things off the rear view mirror. Jumped across and towered over me in my seat. Made my gear shifter turn a different direction (I thought he broke it). Put hole in drywall and pushed washing machine out of place and me around. I am so depressed. It seems so well and then crashes so hard. He has been living with us 3 years. He also stated he never wants to see us again, I know he was just mad but sometimes I want to give up and let him try it awhile. Then I am afraid of what he would do. PRAYERS REQUESTED PLEASE.
Lord, I feel very alone and lost, even though I have my family and friends around me. I don’t feel like I have a grasp on Your will for my life. I can’t believe I haven’t figured it out yet! If it is Your will, send someone with whom I can share my life and together do Your will. If that is not Your plan, help me to accept whatever is, and do Your will whatever that may be. Help me to step out in faith, knowing that you will provide. Thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed on me and my family!
I pray for all those who have reached out before me; may Your grace bring peace and help in their time of turmoil. Help us all to “Trust in the Lord with all our hearts…”
I can’t stop worrying about my health… I have adrenal fatigue. I am overwhelmed with so many protocols. Consequently I can’t focus on tasks and feel frustrated that I am not accomplishing what needs to be done.
Dear Father give Lori an awareness that she is valuable in Your eyes. Help her to heal and know that she can be all you created her to be. Because she can do all through your Son, Jesus Christ who strengthens her. Amen.
I just can’t seem to let go of the anger, jealousy, fear and worry that go along with getting a divorce that don’t want. I feel like a failure! I keep praying “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” I’m trying hard to trust God has a better plan for my life but it’s so hard, it hurts so bad!
I can’t let go of anxiety and negative thinking and I am tired of the impact it is having on my personally, and the way it is holding me back from living an abundant life, both personally, and in my marriage and parenting.
Lord, I can’t determine what you would have me do in my relationships with the people I love. I don’t know what your plan is for me and I humbly as you reveal what I should do to glorify you better.
I can’t let go of anxiety and negative thinking. I am now done with it.
Lord, I pray for Becky, I ask that you be with her as she overcomes her fear of being in the spotlight. May she think of Moses and how you provided Aaron for and help her to realise that you always, ALWAYS provide a way… In Jesus’ name! Amen.
Lord, I pray for Michelle this morning as she faces another day, another challenge to manage the stress in her life. Father God, I pray that you help her in avoiding the vices she has turned to in the past and pray that she turn to you during this difficult time instead. Lord, I know you have the power to help her overcome these temptations, as you never give us more than we can handle. Please let her take control of her eating one day at a time, Lord, just like her daily schedule and heal her husband of his vices as well.