Can I?

When little kids try to do something, they ask their parents for permission everytime. “Can I do this?” Especially when they want to try something new, they will askuntil the parent says “Okay”. There is certainty when you receive permission prior todoing something. If you have permission from your parents, when you can’tsucceed, or if there is a problem in the process of doing something, the child knowsthat the parent will be there to help them and take responsibility for it.

However, this is not just about when you were young. It is good to ask your parentsfor advice when making a decision about something new or difficult. You can simplyask “Do you think I should do this?” Some people may say, “If you keep asking yourparents every time for permission, you cannot become independent and will staychildish.” That is not so. To ask for advice and permission is something one must do toaccomplish great tasks and become a mature adult. They may call it “independence”but in reality, it is isolation from others. Rather than isolating yourself from others andliving by yourself in the wall, as a matured adult, it is better to live together with others,help each other in weakness.

Jesus, the Son of God, always asked His Father every time He did something.“…the Son can do nothing of Himself, but only what He sees the Father do…”(John5:19) Jesus prayed to the Father every day seeking only His Father’s will. There is noneed for us to become independent from God.

This month, let’s ask the Lord in prayer, listen and follow His words. If we do so, theLord will do something great and take all the responsibility to it.

Pastor Takeshi