s that wall in the way. They would gladly do the work if
they were over the wall, but it is too high, so the work must remain
undone. This barrier is very easy to build, but hard to surmount. The
reason it is hard to surmount is because the person is not willing to try.

No one knows what he can do until he tries. "I can't" shuts out God's help
completely. It leaves no room for the operation of faith; it increases
weakness. The more you say, "I can't," the weaker you will feel; and the
weaker you feel, the less courage you will have to attempt anything. It is
certain that we can not do anything if we do not try. It is certain that
we can succeed in doing whatever God wants us to do. He has said, "My
grace is sufficient"; has he spoken truly? He says, "I will help thee";
does he mean it? If he does, you will not fail if you do your part. The
trouble is, you do not give him a chance to help. When the opportunity
comes and the Spirit moves you to act, you draw back behind the wall of "I
can't," and do nothing. Have you not had many chastisements because of
doing thus? Have you not missed many blessings? has not work gone undone,
and have not opportunities remained unused?

Paul had no place for this barrier in his life. He was a man who did
things. He believed that God would help him in all he undertook. "I can't"
had no place in his life. He said, "I can do all things through Christ,
which strengtheneth me." What you need is to quit saying, "I can't," and
begin believing God. Throw down this self-made barrier; quit looking at
your weakness; look at God's strength. Dare to do, dare to act, and you
will succeed beyond your expectations.

"I am afraid" is almost as common a barrier as "I can't." How many people
shrink from duty, saying: "I am afraid I will make a mistake. I am afraid
I shall not do it right." They let this fear become a great wall before
them; they pile fear upon fear; and as they look at them, their fears
constantly grow greater. Soon they come to a place where these fears hedge
them in till they dare not attempt anything. Do you remember the man who
said, "I was afraid," and went and hid his lord's talent in the earth?
Read his story in Matt. 25: 24-30. See what his lord said to him, and note
the result of his conduct. Are you doing the same thing? If so, what will
be the result in your case? Fear will tie your hands if you allow it; it
will make you a profitless servant.

"I don't know how" is a third b