Dec. 8, 2012

The angel said, “Look, even in your old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive” is now six months pregnant. Nothings is impossible for God.” – Luke 1:36-37

Nothing is impossible for God. Case in point: a woman way beyond child bearing years is having a baby. Elizabeth prayed and prayed for a child. But one never came. Now when she is old enough to be a grandmother, she is pregnant with her first child. Nothing is impossible for God.

Sounds good. But real life is a little different. What about the woman who prays and prays for a child and never is able to have a child? What about the spouse who prays and prays for their loved one to be healed of a terminal illness? What about the family member who keeps returning to a hurtful and harmful addiction? Where is God then?

If nothing is impossible, then why aren’t prayers answered? If nothing is impossible, why does God choose not to answer our prayers as we wish? If nothing is impossible, why is there so much sadness and hurt in this world?

While “nothing is impossible sounds great,” most of us feel like we’ve been let-down at some point. We become disappointed. We feel our prayers are too often idle petitions.

Does this mean I’ve given up on God? Do I not believe this line? Absolutely not. While nothing is impossible for God (i.e. – a virgin woman can have a baby and a grandma-aged woman suddenly becomes pregnant), God sometimes chooses not to have things happen just the way we desire. Fortunately, only God can see far into the future and see how seemingly challenging situations can eventually turn out OK.  May we not forget when the impossible does happen: cancer goes into remission, reconciliation happens, prayer is answered in a completely unexpected way. Maybe impossible is a lot more probable if we just shift our thinking.

Almighty God – For some reason, it’s so much easier for us to give up on you and you give up on us. May impossible situations not frustrate us. May your wisdom and guidance pervade and encourage us to simply trust you.  Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne