Are You Able?

“Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”—Mark 10:38 NKJV

While on the faculty at the Boston University Theological Seminary, Earl Marlatt was asked to write a hymn for a consecration service. Thinking about his audience, Marlatt wrote music that focused on the ministry and obstacles his students would face.

He urged his listeners to think about the apostles James and John, who asked Jesus for special positions in His Kingdom. Instead, Jesus told them they had to be willing to die to self. In the same way, Marlatt asked whether we are able to relinquish dreams of power and fame. Are we able to forgive those who wronged us?

Marlatt realized that Jesus speaks to each of us about our willingness to trust God. We are asked if we are able to be crucified with Jesus, to die to self, and be determined to follow Jesus wherever He might lead.

In every situation, Marlatt urges us to realize we become able when we submit our lives to God. His prayer: “Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine. Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine.” Depending on Jesus, we can become “a beacon to God, to love and loyalty.”

In your life, remember God has a special assignment just for you. But you cannot depend on your abilities. Instead, humble yourself before God. Commit your life to Him. Allow Him to mold you into His image and be a vessel for His power to change lives.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer of surrender.