Is He able?

I remember singing a song when I was young (perhaps this will date me). It was entitled, "He is able". We would sing, "He is able, He is able, I know He is able, I know my Lord is able to carry me through....". That's great theology to be teaching children - adults, too!
In our Bible reading today we encountered several characters who prospered because of their firm confidence in the Lord's ability to carry them through. There were moments of wavering or doubt but when they recovered they went forward victoriously.
Abram was the first. As he looked at the passage of time and the aging of his wife's and his own body, he was tempted to wonder how God would fufill the promise of a son. But when the Lord took him outside to view the stars and to reaffirm His promise, Abram believed and it was "counted for him as righteouseness". As long as he kept his eyes off himself and his circumstances and kept them on His God, the Maker of heaven and earth, he would walk forward with confidence, and that is what he did according to Romans 4:20-21.
Peter is another great example. He had the audacity to ask the Lord to allow him to walk on water. Imagine how he felt when he was told to come. And as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus he was able to do the impossible. But when he looked at the storms around him, and began thinking about his own weakness, he began to sink. Fortunately, the Lord grabbed his hand and rescued him. I think he learned alot about the ability of Jesus that day.
Then there were the people in Nehemiah's day. Faced with opposition, intimidation, tired bodies and the like, the people were tempted to fear and perhaps abandon the work to which God called them. But Nehemiah led them well. He urged them to "remember the Lord, who is great and mighty". In saying this he helped the people remove their eyes from the circumstances, and even from their own abilities, and he focused them on the Lord who is able.
What challenges are you confronted with today? Are you weighed down with fears? The antidote is to take your eyes off yourself - take your eyes off the circumstances which loom large in light of your weakness - and place them squarely on the Lord Jesus Christ. He is able, He is able, I know my Lord is able to carry YOU through. Trust Him today.
PS: I saw a little extra tidbit from Nehemiah. He not only urged the people to look to the Lord, but he also urged them to love their brother. That is another great antidote for fear, as John tells us "perfect love casts our fear". So....trust in the greatness of your God, and in that light, love your brother, and you will find fear dissipating and confidence to meet the challenges of the day growing.