Nothing Impossible with God

“For with God nothing will be impossible,” Luke 1:37.

In this life, as we know it, there are encounters that challenge our physical and at times our spiritual strength or endurance. We may face adversity that test our faith and determine our strength. It is important as Christians that we remember Who our trust lies within. It is not in our own power or ability that trials are overcome, but by the power and might of the Almighty God.

In our lives and the lives of others, we may be able to pinpoint various “valley” experiences and “mountaintop” occurrences; euphoric highs and tumultuous lows. But we must be mindful that God is not only present when good things happen in our lives, but He is there when we go through the challenging times as well. He is not a fair-weather god, He is the omnipresent God who promises never to leave nor forsake His children … and He doesn’t (Hebrews 13:5).

When we aim high and set goals for ourselves, we shouldn’t let naysayers discourage us from working towards the things God said we can achieve. The Bible states in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As long as we operate in His will and trust in the Lord, God will withhold no good thing (Psalm 84:11).

As we meditate on the truth and assurance that God can do anything and there is nothing impossible with Him, let us receive that Word. It takes more than just knowing what the Bible says; let it come alive within you. When someone offers a gift to you, it’s not truly yours until you accept it. Jesus died for a fallen world; He gave Himself as a ransom for all. And when He returns as the Bridegroom for His bride, only those committed to the Lord will go with Him. Accept all that the God has to give. Our union with God is a spiritual marriage, you’d be amazed at the power unlocked when you answer Him, “Yes, Lord, I do.”

Scripture taken from NKJV

About My Father's Business

Luke 2:40-50 (New King James Version)

40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,[a] filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother[b] did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

Many circles of families and friends are close and exhibit love to one another. It’s nice to know that you’re in the thoughts of many who care about you; those who pray the best for you and are willing to give in any way to help you along your way. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus had grown to be a twelve year old and was strong in spirit and filled with wisdom. When His earthly parents (Joseph and Mary) questioned why Jesus had treated them in away that caused them worry, He answered in a way that they did not understand. He said, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

As I pondered this Scripture, I thought about all that had been revealed to Joseph and Mary years prior. Mary conceived the Child of the Holy Spirit. The angel of the Lord had appeared unto Joseph and confirmed this. They knew that He was the Son of God, but when Jesus answered them saying that He had to be about His Father’s business, they did not fully grasp the meaning of what He was saying. The Scripture goes further to state that His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Mary knew it was a great call on her life to carry the Son of God in her womb. The favor of God was upon her life. And like a mother, she bonded closely with this Child. Although she was fondly attached to Jesus, He was not exclusively hers. God gave His only begotten Son to die for a fallen world. Mary didn’t want anything bad to happen to Jesus. As the Scripture states, they (Joseph and Mary) went back to seek Him. As a mother, she felt responsible for His well-being … but God cares for us best.

As we venture out into the world to do His will, our loved ones may be concerned for our safety and well-being. There are negative and cruel people in this world, but we must be about our Father’s business. As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. This is not to be about ourselves, but to be about advancing the Kingdom which is our Father’s business.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,” Colossians 3:23.

There are many out there about their business; many who seek to advance themselves. But the Bible states, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33.

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly,” Psalm 84:11.

Facing Adversity

"And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry," 2 Timothy 4:4-5, KJV.

"And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry," 2 Timothy 4:4-5, Amp.

There are times in life when we face adversity, but these are the times we ought to cling to our faith even more. Being mindful that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6), it puts things into perspective. No matter what, we must hold up the bloodstained banner.

When we encounter or experience those who downplay the power and might of our God, at least for me, it catapults me into defense mode. I am compelled to defend Him. Let us consider moments where our loved ones are unjustly spoken against, would you just sit there and say nothing if you could? Why does it seem as if when angry or derogatory words are thrown into the atmosphere that degrades our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, many (who are proclaimed Christians) say nothing about it? Imagine if Jesus was sitting right next to you (which He is in our hearts) and a saddened expression unfolds across his face. Would it prompt you to then defend Him?

We ought to truly lay down our lives and pick up the Cross (for every one has his/her own to bear). It is important to not be fair-weathered Christians, praising God only when things seem to be going well in our lives. We must honor Him at all times. He is not a celestial slot machine or a bellhop at our beckon call. We are called to serve Him, knowing that no good thing will He withhold. Is our trust in the Almighty or self?

In recent months, it has come to sadden me that some want to acknowledge God only when it is convenient. There may be someone waiting to hear about Christ and you at that particular moment could be the messenger. Somebody cared enough about us to share the Gospel; will you care enough to do the same?