With the turn of the calendar page and the start of a new year, many people will be making decisions about changes in their lives.
Some of these ‘resolutions’ will be minor, like losing 10 pounds, while others will be more consequential – become a better father, fix your marriage, conquer an addiction.
Some New Year’s goals can be accomplished on our own – with a good measure of determination and self-discipline, it’s amazing what we are able to pull off.
Other issues, however, are so far beyond our control that they seem to be impossible dreams, such as fixing all the ills of society.
As I opened my bible recently, I found myself reading a familiar account about an older couple who had given up on having children. God comes to Abe and Sarah in Genesis 18 and promises them that they will indeed be the parents of a bouncing baby boy before the year is out. When Sarah’s skepticism kicks in, she is met with a question: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14.)
As I reflected on that principle of faith, my mind wandered to other scripture references that affirmed God’s ability to step in to our lives in great power:
• Jeremiah 32:17 – Ah, Lord God! It is you who has made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
• Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Hebrews 13:5 – I will never leave you nor forsake you.
The promise of a great God, with plans for our greater good, is a promise that keeps us going when the dark trials of life come across our path.
As I look back over my life, it was the anchor of these truths that helped me face the most difficult storms of life.
As I pondered God’s good plans for our lives, an old chorus that we sang in church when I was a kid came rolling into my mind. The words are simple – yet profound:
Got any rivers you think are un-crossable
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through
God specializes in things thought impossible
He does the things others cannot do!
As you head into a new year, with all its hope and potential, it may well be that you have some impossibilities starring you in the face. If so, let me encourage you to turn to the one who specializes in things thought impossible.
Jesus Christ promised that He came to give us “life abundantly.”
Maybe it’s time you checked out His promise, up close and personal.
Mark Burch is senior pastor at Maple Ridge Baptist Church.