Accomplishing the Impossible(Part 2)

“The disciples were astounded. ‘Then who in the world can be saved?’ they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” (Mark 10:26-27 NLT)

Perhaps a major reason we wrestle with that which, in our minds, is impossible, is because we take for granted what we now view as possible. Think of all the impossibilities surrounding the birth of Jesus, in fulfillment of dozens of Messianic prophecies. A virgin became pregnant and had a baby in Bethlehem; angels appeared, not only to Mary and Joseph, who named the baby Jesus, but to shepherds; wise men were guided by a star to bring gifts to Jesus; an elderly man named Simeon recognized the infant as the Messiah; along with Anna, a prophet, who also recognized He was God in human form.

Even today, if you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are a walking miracle, recipient of the impossible. Salvation, as noted in the verse above, is a human impossibility. Think of all the impossible situations that, by God’s grace and with His help, become possible: We run into many impossibilities in our faith journey with Jesus; in overcoming sin, guilt, and shame; in our marriage; in our sicknesses and pain; in our grief, isolation, and fear.

The list is virtually endless of the ways we depend on the Holy Spirit’s intervention in our lives – i.e. the impossible circumstances He enables us to navigate through the power of His Spirit. The writer of the Hebrew letter wrote in 11:1: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

In a very real sense, we accomplish the impossible every day by faith. Of course, it’s not “we” who are accomplishing anything, but Christ’s presence and power working in and through us. Jesus said in John 15:5: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, WILL PRODUCE MUCH FRUIT. FOR APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING.” What is the clear implication? Nothing is impossible for those who believe and remain in Jesus.

What “impossible” challenge are you facing right now? Your health? Finances? Relationships? Grief? Your marriage? Loss – of direction, of a loved one, of hope? Whatever it is, bring it to Jesus . . . and leave it there! Stop trying to figure everything out alone. Place your trust in Jesus and begin (again?) to walk faithfully with Him.

Someone asked Henry Ford a question for which he didn’t immediately remember the answer. When criticized he said something to the effect: “Why should I try to remember anything that I know where to go to find the answer.”

Those of you who know me easily recognize that there’s a lot I don’t know, but you may also realize that I don’t worry about that. My concern doesn’t center on what I don’t know, but on Whom I do know. Anything I need to be everything God has called me to do, be, say, or think, He’s already provided, I just need to ask Him to give it to me.

You are the “impossible” waiting to happen! If you know Jesus you’re filled, empowered, and enabled to be everything He’s designed, created, called, and equipped you to do, be, say, or think. You’re far more than you’ve ever dared dream possible, largely because you may be focused too much on yourself, and not focused enough on Him.

In the verse at the top of the page, the Bible says that Jesus looked “intently” at His disciples. It means to look with more than your eyes. It means to gaze upon thoughtfully. When you begin to look at Jesus that way, you will experience the impossible in your life.

Blessings, Ed 😊