Believing the Impossible

~~REVISED~~

     Matthew 19 told the story of a man described not only as young but rich.  He approached Jesus about what he needed to do to obtain eternal life.  Despite what he had already possessed, he lacked the confidence about his eternal destination.  His question indicated his belief in a life beyond this one.  

     Jesus quoted several of the Ten Commandments, and the man confidently responded about his obedience to them.  However, unsatisfied with the idea that this might help him, he asked Jesus what else he lacked.  Seeing the deepest issues of this man’s heart, Jesus challenged him to sell all he owned and give all the money to the poor and come follow Him.  With deep sorrow, the man departed.

     The man received the call to be Jesus’ thirteenth disciple but didn’t accept the offer.  It proved the sad truth on how money will be our master if the Lord isn’t.   With his departure, Jesus informed the disciples the way riches caused difficulties for the wealthy.  The disciples and the rich young man must have assumed that money could buy anything, even eternal life.  Jesus’ comment bothered the disciples, and they questioned Jesus on who could inherit eternal life if the rich had trouble.  Jesus assured them that the Lord accomplished that which is impossible for man.

     The word “impossible” conjures up different thoughts and emotions for each one of us.  For some, it spurs on the desire to prove the naysayer in our lives wrong.  For others, it generates a sense of hopelessness of ever overcoming the mistakes of their past.  Yet for those of faith, it hopefully stirs up excitement and anticipation.

     The naysayer and those feeling hopeless might ask these kind questions and respond this way:

Can something really be created from nothing?  Can good truly come from being sold into slavery? Can waters really part a large river and make the land passable? Can an army march around a city wall and bring it down? Well, of course not. Impossible.

Can a king who committed adultery and murder be a true friend of God? Can a young boy slay a giant with just a sling and stone? Can a donkey talk about seeing an army of angels? Can someone be thrown into a fire and come out of it without a burn? Well, of course not. Impossible.

Can someone walk on water? Can water be transformed into wine?Can two fish and five loaves of bread feed 5,000 hungry men with all their wives and children? Can someone decay in the grave for three days and then come back alive again? Well, of course not. Impossible.

Can a tax collector return five times the amount he stole from others? Can one who had five husband and lives with a sixth make better choices? Can a friend who denied knowing you, turn around and sacrifice his life for you? Can one who murders Christians ever change? Well, of course not.  Impossible.

     Yet, we know the Scriptures tell us all these things took place and by faith, we believe these incidents are true.  However, what do we believe the Lord can do today?  Is He that same God able to do what no one else can do in us and through us?

     Do we believe people can be transformed in the way they think, speak, and act? Do we believe there is “No Condemnation” for the one who knows and loves Jesus? Do we believe in a power that enables us to forgive our enemies and extend mercy and grace toward them? Do we believe we can truly love those who refuse to return our love? Well, of course.  We depend on it.

     Do we believe we can receive healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally? Do we believe someone can be rescued from addictions? Do we believe marriages can be healed? Do we believe we can have joy in difficult circumstances? Well, of course.  We depend on it.

     Do we have the confidence Paul displayed to the Philippians when he said, “He who began a good work will complete it”?  On our own, we’re powerless to change our ways.  Instead we need to recognize the habits and unhealthy responses and seek the Lord for their removal. 

      
For my life I choose to believe He is in the process of:

·       Making me a woman who loves Him with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind.

·       Making me a joyful woman despite my circumstances.

·       Making me a woman who strives to please the Lord over people.

·       Making me a humble woman wholly submitted to His will and way.

·       Making me a woman of the Word.

·       Making me a woman devoted to prayer.

·       Making me a free woman of my past.

·       Making me a woman who listens more and talks less.

·       Making me a grateful woman.

·       Making me a woman of encouragement, grace, and forgiveness.

·       Making me a giving woman without expecting anything in return.

·       Making me a contented woman.

·       Making me a woman who obsesses on those things that honor the Lord only.

·       Making me a non-gossiping woman.

·       Making me a woman who draws others to the Lord.

·       Making me a compassionate and merciful woman.

·       Making me a woman filled and controlled by His Spirit.

·       Making me a woman of truth.

·       Making me a woman who loves like Him.

·       Making me a woman who understands her value, worth, and purpose.

·       Making me a woman of courage and strength.

     Do any of these desires resonate with you?  What do you want to begin believing the Lord for today?  Write them down and daily ask the Lord to make you a person who honors Him in everything you think, say, and do.

@copyright 2013