“I Can Beat It”
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
“I can beat it.” Those words have been spoken in many different ways: “I’ll look down the barrel and see.” “I’ll touch the wire.” “I’ll make it across before the train comes.” “That danger sign doesn’t apply to me.” Each statement carries the same spirit—a confidence that ignores warning, a decision that underestimates danger, and a belief that consequences can be avoided.
What makes these moments so dangerous is not just the action—it’s the mindset behind them. There is something in human nature that pushes us to test limits, to ignore caution, and to believe that we are the exception. We see the sign, we hear the warning, but we convince ourselves, “It will be different for me.” That kind of thinking has led to countless regrets, injuries, and tragedies.
Spiritually, the same danger exists. God has placed clear warnings in His Word—not to restrict us, but to protect us. When He says something is dangerous, it is not to take away our joy, but to preserve our life. Yet many times, we approach sin with the same attitude: “Just this once… I’ll be fine… I can handle it.” But sin is never safe, and disobedience is never without consequence.
God’s commands are like those warning signs—placed there out of love. The safest place in life is not testing the edge, but walking in obedience. We don’t need to “see for ourselves” when God has already spoken. Wisdom listens. Faith obeys. And humility recognizes that God knows far more than we do.
Write down one area in your life where you feel tempted to “push the limits.” Then find a Scripture that speaks directly to it and commit it to memory this week.
Have you been ignoring any warnings God has given you? Are you stepping closer to something you know is dangerous, thinking you can handle it? Today is the day to step back, listen to His voice, and choose obedience over impulse. The goal is not to see how close you can get to danger—but how close you can walk with God.
"For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" — Job 19:25
Daily Scripture Reading
Join us as we read through the Bible in one year, growing together in God’s Word day by day. Click on any underlined verse to access Pastor Burns’ helpful study notes and deeper insights.
Look up a different passage
Search for any chapter or scripture above to begin.
This Week's Radio Program
Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026
Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)
In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.
This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.
Listen to Past Programs
Recent Devotionals
Catch up on the last few days.