When It Seems Impossible

          Many of the miracles recorded in the Bible came at a time when an answer from God was thought to be impossible.  Just when things appeared to be hopeless, God stepped in and provided what was needed.  Time and time again, His providence and care arrived just when those involved deemed a solution to be improbable.

          When it looked like everybody was just too sinful, God saved Noah’s family in an ark.  When it appeared there would be no heir to Abraham’s estate, Sarah became pregnant.  When the Israelites saw no way of escape from the Egyptians, the Red Sea parted.  When their throats became dry in the wilderness, water poured from a rock.  Gideon and a motley band of 300 unarmed regulars stood and watched a vast army kill one another trying to flee from them.  A widow thought she was going to eat one last meal and then die until Elijah showed up and extended her meager rations.  And who will forget the defeated attitude of eleven disciples who thought Satan had won a great victory until the resurrected Jesus stood in their presence celebrating with them?

          What we should learn from these lessons is that God does His best work when we think a given situation is totally impossible.  His track record on coming through at the most unlikely time is perfect.  He does this because these are the times when we have to recognize that He brought about the victory – we were powerless and clueless to do anything.

          So when you have to go on without a certain loved one, remember the One who has promised never to leave your side.  When you’re called upon to face an uncertain trial, allow God (and His people) to encourage you to persevere.  When you don’t know how a situation will ever turn out in your favor, trust God who enjoys doing “impossible” things to show up right on time and provide you with another proof of His love, kindness, mercy and care.

Doug