There is a malady in America that has been labeled by at least one epidemiologist as “John Henry-ism.” The so-called disease refers to the eponymous folk hero who in an original “man vs. machine” contest, worked himself to death driving railroad spikes more rapidly than a steam-driven hammer.
He won but he lost.
He proved his worth and ability while also demonstrating his humanity and frailty.
His fable became a picture for American laborers embodying the can-do spirit. And today he stands as the idol of those determined to finish a job at any cost. He is not merely a folk hero, but the hero of the American ideal that every outcome can be overcome, overturned and determined by sheer hard work and persistence.
One small problem: it isn’t true. “I can,” always has limits. In reality, “I can” is better said, “I can’t…completely.”
Yet, for God, “I can” is always true. Because He is self-sufficient and independent, there is nothing that escapes His ability (if it is consistent with His person and character — obviously, it is incapable for God to sin).
Moreover, because He is always able, and we are always incapable, then He is not dependent on us; we are dependent on Him. We do not serve Him. He serves us. Jonathan Edwards said it well:
Now, if the creature receives its ALL from God, entirely and perfectly, how is it possible that it should have any thing to add to God, to make him in any respect more than he was before, and so the Creator become dependent on the creature?
It is not possible. And that is why Paul says that we do not serve God. He serves us.
As John Piper concludes,
“The difference between Uncle Sam and Jesus Christ is that Uncle Sam won’t enlist you in his service unless you are healthy and Jesus Christ won’t enlist you unless you are sick.…
What is God looking for in the world? Assistants? No. The gospel is not a help-wanted ad. It is a help-available ad. Nor is the call to Christian service a help-wanted ad. God is not looking for people to work for Him but people who let Him work mightily mind through them.…God is not a scout looking for the first draft choices to help His team win. He is an unstoppable fullback ready to take the ball and run touchdowns for anyone who trusts Him to win the game.…Christianity is fundamentally convalescence. Patients do not serve their physicians. They trust them for good prescriptions.
Words of Grace 