Does God Expect You To Do The Impossible? All The Time

Our life of faith is all about the impossible. (Luke 18:26-27) “Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”” Jesus had just spoken to a wealthy young man who thought that doing the right things was what was necessary to be right before God.  As human beings whose roots are firmly planted in the Garden and the sin of Adam, there is nothing we can do apart from Jesus to be right with God.

Once we are born again, God will ask us to do the impossible for His glory.  Oh, that strikes fear in the hearts of most Christians.  For the rest, it at least gives them opportunity to doubt.  Like when Peter walked on the water but then began to sink. (Matthew 14:29-31) “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?””  

Human ability is not in question.  Of course you can’t do what God asks without faith and His mighty power.  That is why Proverbs 3 says trust God and not yourself.  That takes faith.  Do you remember when Jesus told the disciples to feed the people? (Matthew 15:32-33) “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?””

Jesus was asking the disciples to do what was humanly impossible.  Imagine putting one chicken leg on the table with your family gathered around to eat.  Impossible, for men.  In the same way, every day we are faced with doing the impossible.  Going beyond ourselves to do what only God can do through us by faith.  And as soon as we take our eyes off of Jesus and depend upon our own puny abilities, we begin to sink. We wonder, “How can I possibly do this? There are so many obstacles in the way.”  The Bible is replete with stories of the impossible, but I suspect that most if not all of us think that those stories were for another time and place. They certainly don’t apply to our lives.  The thing is – it’s the same God – the same world – just different people. 

So, what has He asked you to do that you have rejected as being impossible.  Perhaps you need to re-think that decision, or more correctly re-faith it.  Trust God. Walk by faith and not by sight.  Nothing is impossible with God.  Never has been and never will be. (Joshua 1:9) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” To do what I am suggesting you need to be strong in your faith.  Courage is action in spite of your understanding what the natural consequences could be. So what are you waiting for?  CHARLEY