When We’re Unable, He Makes Us Able

When Everything Around You Tells You “No,” That’s When You Have to Find a Way

When I was 17 years old I got married & most of the people I knew, except for my own immediate family (surprising, isn’t it?), thought I was too young and too immature for such a lifelong commitment. Perhaps I was too young and inexperienced, but there was an ingredient in the mix that wouldn’t allow that to become a problem. I had an active faith and a close relationship with God. That’s one thing that can never go wrong, because when we’re unable, He makes us able.

Nevertheless, I was still very inexperienced and quite insecure about myself. God took me through different situations to mold me into the person I am today. Who is still being molded as I write this, to be the person I’ll become tomorrow.

I’m not good with memories, but some are engraved in my heart. One of them was this great desire to make a difference in the world. I didn’t know how – in fact, I had nothing except my faith to help me achieve that. At the time I was a timid, young woman who would blush if more than one person would look at me at the same time. I couldn’t speak in public; I’d swallow my words and look like a fool every time I tried.

So there I was, with this great desire in my heart and this significant impediment. I prayed about it. Do you know when you pray but know you’re making a dumb prayer? I’d pray that God would use me, but then I’d refuse to open my mouth to speak to anyone!

I soon realized that I was not helping God and that I’d have to find a way to let Him use me. He said, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt; open your mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10).”

In other words, I know where you’re coming from, and you’re incapable, but if you only open your mouth, I’ll give you the abilities you lack.

And with that word, I began opening my mouth. I’d blush, have tears in my eyes, and be laughed at and ridiculed in front of others (on a separate note, I think it’s so uncalled for when people laugh at other people’s weaknesses). It was not easy, and I had to go against the shy person I had been up to until then.

When everything around you tells you “no,” that’s when you have to find a way. It’s easy to find a way when everything works in your favor. You’re not seeing a path; you’re just going with the flow. But we all know that life’s flow hardly ever goes in the right direction. We need to create our current, and we need to find another way, dig a way out of our prisons.

How many women are so independent in their careers and finances but imprisoned by their emotional struggles? What’s the use of all the money or high status? Anything that binds you is as an opportunity to find a way out.

Eventually, as I kept speaking in public and still blushing now and then, I got used to it, and God answered my prayer.

First, we need to find a way, and then He makes us able. Every miracle and answered prayer begins with us.

Cristiane Cardoso
Excerpt of V Women