Wonder - Day 11
The wonder of possible impossibilities
Luke 1:34
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
Throughout Scripture, it is common for someone who receives a call from God to first look at themselves and see all the reasons why they can’t possibly do what God has called them to do.
Sarah was too old.
Moses was a scared stutter..
Jeremiah was too young.
Isaiah was too sinful.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were also too old, and Mary was too much of a virgin to have a child.
But the things we see as impossible, are simply not with God. Abraham and Sarah give birth to Isaac in their old age; Moses leads the people of Israel out of Egypt. Jeremiah and Isaiah become two of the most famous prophets in all of Israel. Zechariah and Elizabeth have a son and name him John. Mary becomes pregnant, as a virgin, and is the vessel God chose to bring His Messiah into the world.
The impossible is always possible with God.
And what I love about God in all these stories is how patient He is with us. When we doubt, He doesn’t write us off and toss us aside for someone with greater faith. No. He meets us where we are and helps us recognize what He’s capable of if we let Him use us. Yes, it involves submission and surrender and an incredible amount of trust, but as hard as those things are to do, God walks alongside us to help us grow in each of these areas as we learn to lean on Him.
So what is God calling you to do that seems impossible? Volunteer at your church? Confront a friend who’s behavior is hurting them and those around them? Invite a neighbor to church? Share your story in front of others? Whatever it is, I’m sure it feels impossible, and that you could write a long list of all the reasons why you can’t possibly do whatever it is God is calling you to do.
My challenge to you would be to spend a week putting yourself in the shoes/sandals of one of the stories mentioned above. See the encounter with God at the burning bush through Moses’ eyes. Listen to Mary’s heart as she responds to God’s call for her life. See their doubts, feel their fears, then watch as they eventually accept God’s call with both trepidation and courage. Then go back to what God is calling you to do and see if you can find that same courage to say yes.
QUESTIONS
Luke 1:34
34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”
Throughout Scripture, it is common for someone who receives a call from God to first look at themselves and see all the reasons why they can’t possibly do what God has called them to do.
Sarah was too old.
Moses was a scared stutter..
Jeremiah was too young.
Isaiah was too sinful.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were also too old, and Mary was too much of a virgin to have a child.
But the things we see as impossible, are simply not with God. Abraham and Sarah give birth to Isaac in their old age; Moses leads the people of Israel out of Egypt. Jeremiah and Isaiah become two of the most famous prophets in all of Israel. Zechariah and Elizabeth have a son and name him John. Mary becomes pregnant, as a virgin, and is the vessel God chose to bring His Messiah into the world.
The impossible is always possible with God.
And what I love about God in all these stories is how patient He is with us. When we doubt, He doesn’t write us off and toss us aside for someone with greater faith. No. He meets us where we are and helps us recognize what He’s capable of if we let Him use us. Yes, it involves submission and surrender and an incredible amount of trust, but as hard as those things are to do, God walks alongside us to help us grow in each of these areas as we learn to lean on Him.
So what is God calling you to do that seems impossible? Volunteer at your church? Confront a friend who’s behavior is hurting them and those around them? Invite a neighbor to church? Share your story in front of others? Whatever it is, I’m sure it feels impossible, and that you could write a long list of all the reasons why you can’t possibly do whatever it is God is calling you to do.
My challenge to you would be to spend a week putting yourself in the shoes/sandals of one of the stories mentioned above. See the encounter with God at the burning bush through Moses’ eyes. Listen to Mary’s heart as she responds to God’s call for her life. See their doubts, feel their fears, then watch as they eventually accept God’s call with both trepidation and courage. Then go back to what God is calling you to do and see if you can find that same courage to say yes.
QUESTIONS
- Have you felt God tugging on your heart to do something that at the moment, you think is too tough, or maybe even, impossible?
- What would it take for you to say yes to God right now?
- Mother Teresa once told someone looking for clarity that she has never had clarity involving God’s call in her life, what she has had is trust. So pray for God to grow your trust in Him and be prepared for the homework He’ll give you to do just that.
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