Profound lessons are sometimes found in the smallest words.

Even though it has happened before, I can’t confidently say why my interest is piqued in such ways. But here’s where my thoughts are going.

I’ve been meditating on the words can, can’t, and recant.

Over the last month, a particular thought has been rolling in my mind. Before I could fully process it, it formed into a personal declaration I’ve been repeating. I have presumed this to be a reminder from the Holy Spirit for my continued motivation.

I’ll share it with you:

“I can’t let what I can’t do keep me from doing what I can do.”

The Bible’s most well-known “can” is in that small letter to the Philippian Church. As you read, you might already be quoting Philippians 4:13. It says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV).

Most English Bibles start that verse with those three small words: “I can do.” In Greek, the operative word, can, looks like this: ischuō. Don’t look at me if you’re trying to pronounce it.

The meaning behind the word is as simple as you would presume. It’s the idea of having the ability or being able to do something. And once you combine it with faith, it’s the power from God to be productive in the purpose He’s assigned to your life.

So, for the Christian, this “I can do” (ischuō) ability is the strength to do what you can do in the face of what you can’t, while trusting God to take care of the rest.

I grew up hearing older adults in the Southeast repeat this idiom: “Can’t never could do nothing.” It’s a basic reminder not to get mentally frozen into inactivity. Or a younger person might call it the paralysis of analysis.

Get up and do what you can!

Success never comes to anyone who sits and soaks in what they can’t do!

Think about the “can’ts” in life. Of course, the word “can’t” is not in our English Bibles, but that’s only because it’s a contraction. The proper written English form that is present in the Bible is “cannot.” And when I want to emphasize the “not,” I separate that into two words- can not.

So, my declaration can also be written or said: “I can not let what I can not do keep me from doing what I can do.”

So what in the word world are recants? I’m glad you asked.

To “recant” means publicly withdrawing a previously stated or implied belief. As one who’s been publicly speaking since 1994, I’ve shared more “recants” than I can recall.

You can be sure that “recant” is not the same as repentance. In the Biblical way, repenting is changing your life 180 ° through remorse, sorrow, and contrition. It’s a mental transformation that leads to a total change of behavior. The repentant sinner has received Christ’s forgiveness and the grace to overcome, now believing and behaving for the One who saved them.

Before you accuse me of digressing, please allow me to publicly recant.

I no longer believe I am bound by my own inabilities. If God has designed and/or purposed for me to do something BIG or be a part of something BIGGER than me, I can and I will!

Now say this aloud with me:

“I can’t let what I can’t do keep me from doing what I can do.”

Think on this and make it your declaration by faith.