Whether in your head or spoken out loud, we all have moments when we feel completely drained—when we’ve reached our limit and say, “I can’t.” This isn’t about a scheduling conflict or breaking a rule. It’s deeper than that. It’s the personal shutdown that comes from fear, doubt, or a lack of faith.
But what does it take to move from “I can’t” to “I can”?
The truth is, on our own, we often can’t. We weren’t meant to rely solely on our own strength. That’s why God calls us to trust in Him. When Jesus spoke of faith, He said:
“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20
Nothing will be impossible—not because of our strength, but because of His.
But here’s the beautiful part—God doesn’t just give us strength, He gives us Himself. Out of His infinite love and generosity, He meets us in our weakness and carries us through. When we feel like we have nothing left, that’s the moment to turn to Him and say, “Increase my faith.” Just like the father in Mark 9:24 who cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” we can come to God with honest hearts, asking Him to fill the gaps where our faith falls short.
What is this faith that we struggle with? Venerable Fulton J. Sheen teaches us in his book, Go to Heaven, “ You cannot argue or study or reason or hypnotize or whip yourself into faith. Faith is a gift of God. When anyone instructs you in Christian doctrine, he does not give you faith. He is only a spiritual agriculturist, tilling the soil of your soul, uprooting a few weeds, and breaking up the clods of egotism. It is God Who drops the seed.” Have we prepared ourselves? Have we tilled the soil of our souls to receive God’s gift of faith?
Paul reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) That’s the key. It’s not about willing ourselves to be stronger—it’s about leaning into His strength. And we can trust that His strength is always there because His love for us is boundless.
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” – Romans 8:32
God’s generosity is limitless. He gives us grace for today, hope for tomorrow, and the promise of His presence always. Even when we feel like we have nothing to give, He gives everything.
Where in your life do you find yourself saying, “I can’t”? Is it a relationship? A calling? A fear that feels too big to overcome? Journal about it and ask God to show you how He is present in that struggle. Surrender it to Him. Pray, “Lord, increase my faith. Help me trust in Your love, generosity, and strength, even when I feel weak.” Go then and take a step in faith. Trust that God will do the rest even if it’s just a mustard seed’s worth.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” – Matthew 28:19
What would it look like if we lived, not in fear, but in faith—trusting in the love of a God who gives us everything we need?
Here’s what Scripture and St. John Paul II have to say:
Hebrews 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Luke 17:5-6 – And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
Pope John Paul II – “The greatest deception, and the deepest source of unhappiness, is the illusion of finding life by excluding God, of finding freedom by excluding moral truths and personal responsibility.” ~ World Youth Day Homily, 7.28.02
1 John 5:4 – For whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.