Living 4 Him

“What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
(NLT)

The word “impossible” means something different for everyone.  For some, impossible might mean finishing a particular project in a tight deadline.  To others, impossible could mean getting through a meal without being interrupted by a child’s tantrum.  For still another, impossible could mean finding a way to pay bills every month.  Or impossible could mean living without someone who is very close to us.  We all face a form of impossible in our lives, but Jesus brings us everlasting, positive hope with the words quoted above.  “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

The incident (recorded in Matthew 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18) sparking these words gives us important insight if we take a deeper look.  A man asks Jesus how to inherit eternal life.  Jesus states part of what we know as the Ten Commandments. Next, he tells the man to go and sell his possessions, giving money to the poor.  According to Matthew, the man walks away, sad. 

Then, Jesus drops incredulous news.  “It is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”   The disciples are concerned.  “Then who can be saved?” (Matthew 19:22)  Jesus cheers the disciples when he says that what humans are not able to do, God can do.  God is in charge of the impossible. 

What a great comfort for us as residents of earth who daily face the impossible. We are led by God whose specialty is tough stuff.

Anne Graham Lotz reminds us: The greatness of His power to create and design and form and mold and make and build and arrange defies the limits of our imagination.  And since He created everything, there is nothing beyond His power to fix or mend or heal or restore.

Let’s return to the story and focus on the rich man.  He faced what he believed was impossible, inheriting eternal life.  And unfortunately, he did not turn to the One who could help him.  He walked away.  Our lives seem impossible until we turn to God.  He has the resources that we do not.  When we partner with him, our impossible becomes his.

What situations are we facing right now that seem impossible?  Are we turning to God who is in charge of impossible?

My impossible came near the end of my teaching career.  During my last semester of teaching first grade before retiring, my father experienced a series of health issues that eventually landed him in home hospice.  At the first hint of this impossible situation creeping into my life, I turned to God; seeking sustenance each day as I taught or visited my dad or supported my mom.  Of course, fears and unknowns arose as they always do upon earth, but I had a Helper to turn to; a Helper who could bring perspective, bring love, bring peace and comfort to my frustrations.  I did not face my impossible alone and you don’t either.  Turn to God.  He is ready to be in charge of your impossible. 

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul): Psalm 23 not only brings comfort, but real truth about how God handles your impossible.  Read it today and savor each verse.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Use this prayer to guide yourself to the God of impossible.

Blessed Lord of the Heavens, My mind is too full.  My heart is discouraged.  My world seems too hard right now.  I am turning to You, my Source of help, my Source of strength, my Source of peace.  Show me the way to navigate the impossible.  You know me and You have the answer.  Lord, I trust in You. Amen.