Can And Will

The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

Everybody has been corrected on the difference between “can I?” and “may I?” when asking a question—as in, “Teacher, can I get a drink of water?” “It’s ‘may I,’ Johnny—and yes, you may.” “Can” refers to ability, while “may” refers to permission or volition. Strangely, Christians get confused between ability and volition when it comes to trusting God.

We know that God “can” do anything. But we lose faith when it comes to His willingness. We have no problem trusting Him for both His ability and His willingness to save us from the penalty of our sins. Somehow, we believe God can and will make our salvation a reality. But when it comes to trusting God for, say, our financial needs, we falter. We know God “can” meet our needs, but we’re not sure He will—in spite of what Jesus said: “It will be given . . . you will find . . . it will be opened . . .” (Luke 11:9, emphasis added).

When you see “will” in Scripture associated with God’s actions, take it as a promise from Him: He “can” and He “will” meet your need.

Whatever God did and was able to do and willing to do at any time, God is able and willing to do again, within the framework of His will.

A. W. TOZER