It Only Seems Impossible!

It Only Seems Impossible!

How many times have you seen God do the impossible? Really, think about it. Have you ever said, “It won’t happen; it can’t happen,” only to be surprised when what you hoped would happen does happen? Well, if that has ever happened to you, then why do you begin to doubt when you’re faced with a seeming obstacle?

Every time I look at the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, or their cycle of doubt and belief in the book of Judges, I’m reminded how much like them I can be. Despite the fact that I see God do miraculous things (practically on a weekly basis) I still tend to get nervous when things become uncertain. Why is that?

You would be amazed to see a list of the things that God has done through LOCC—the lives He has touched; His miraculous provision; His answers to prayer; the divine appointments He has arranged, just since we started Living Oaks Community Church four years ago! Looking back, I see that He has gone beyond my puny hopes and has often provided more and in better ways than I could have imagined. Yet, I still get a case of the willies when a new challenge arises. Why is that?!!

I think I have at least part of the answer figured out: We think we need to be in control and tend to be more comfortable when we think we are. I truly believe that many people would be willing to settle for the fulfillment of their puny hopes; the ones that lie completely within their grasp, rather than entrusting things to God. And, if you tried to help them exchange their small, self-reliant hopes and dreams for some God-sized ones, they would protect them with the ferocity of a cornered pit bull. Why is that?!!!

Well, the other part of the answer is simply pride. We tend to want to take the credit—due or undue—for our accomplishments. We’ll often settle for the insignificant and unimportant, simply for the right to say, “I did it.”

The need to do it ourselves is a natural and normal part of our fallen human state. Any of us that have had experience with toddlers know that reliance on Mom and Dad is not a quality to which these tots assign much value. In fact, if Mom or Dad tries to assist the youngster in certain tasks, they will be roundly rebuffed with a no-nonsense, “I DO IT!” And of course, no matter the inconvenience, we let them.

If we insist on doing things ourselves; settling only for what is humanly possible, God will let us. He doesn’t push His ways on us. In His grace, He lets us know that there is a better way. He offers His assistance. But, ultimately it is up to us to release our grip and allow Him to be God.

In Luke, we see the story of the rich young ruler. Note that in the title we have assigned to that story, we’ve captured the most sought-after qualities in our culture: money (rich), youth (young), and power (ruler). This guy had it all and he led a pretty righteous life too! He said he kept all the commandments. What more could he possibly need? If this guy wasn’t a prime candidate for heaven, then who could be? It must be impossible to be good enough!
Well, it only seems impossible.

The next time you encounter the “impossible,” remember Jesus said,
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” –Luke 18:27