With God, nothing is impossible. This past Sunday, my pastor reminded us of that truth. Since it’s Christmas time, we’re looking at Christ’s birth with fresh eyes. In doing so, it has caused me to ask myself some hard questions such as; Do I really believe that my impossible situations are possible with God?
Honestly—not at first. At the beginning of a crisis, I usually have lots and lots of questions.
So did Mary, the mother of Jesus.
I love that Mary, like me, is a country girl. Knowing that helps me identify with her on another level. She probably used phrases like, “Bless your heart” and “over yonder.” In addition, I’m certain she referred to others as “y’all” as well.
Mary, indeed, was a young, inexperienced country girl about to marry an older man that her parents had selected for her. Like any soon to be bride, I imagine Mary was consumed with wedding plans. Yet God interrupted her plans by sending Gabriel, an angel, with some startling news for Mary.
“You are about to bear a son.”
“What?” replied Mary. “That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Not only that but it’s impossible. I’m a virgin.”
We must not judge Mary. Isn’t that our first response too when we are faced with a crisis of belief? “What? You’ve got to be kidding me. This can’t be happening. It’s too impossible for me to handle.”
When a crisis hits interrupting my life plans, I never feel ready, experienced enough, or able to understand what God is doing. My crisis never makes sense in the moment.
I wonder what impossible situation you may be facing now. Perhaps you or your spouse is unemployed. Maybe you or a loved one have been diagnosed with some sort of disease. Could it be your facing this holiday season without someone you love—a spouse, a parent, a rebellious child whose whereabouts are unknown. Your situation seems impossible—even for God.
The angel’s news seemed impossible to Mary. The message troubled her greatly. No matter how she tried to piece it together, she couldn’t make sense of it all. Nevertheless, God wasn’t asking her to figure it all out. That wasn’t her responsibility. It was Gods. Mary’s only responsibly was to be available to what God was offering her. God was offering Mary a unique invitation to be the mother of His Son.
I wonder how many unique opportunities I’ve missed because I failed to believe God in the midst of my crisis. I wonder how many times I’ve given up the chance to experience God in a unique way because I’ve tried to work out the details in my own wisdom. I wonder how many times God wanted to trust me with a unique opportunity, but my lack of trust in Him disabled me.
While Mary was pondering this unique opportunity that she couldn’t make heads nor tails out of, the Angel offered her comfort, strength, and the only answer to impossible situations. Trust God.
It’s that simple. In order for Mary to be available to God, she had to take Him at His word. She had to believe that with God NOTHING is impossible.
Mary offers you and me a unique challenge this holiday season. Do we believe that with God all things are possible—even our current situation? If so, then let go of worry. Let go of trying to find the answer. The Angel has already given us the answer … Trust God and experience His peace wrap around you like a warm, comforting blanket.
Donna says
Micca,
We all have times where we face what we think is the impossible. But we have been reminded so beautifully that with God nothing is impossible. We can let go of the worry and everything else and trust Him in everything!
Blessings to you and your family!
Jill says
Micca, Great words!! The story of Mary has been a little more personal for me this year as I have the honor of playing her part in this years Sunday School program – guess that comes with having a newborn!! Anyway since sharing her words on stage the first time my mind has been going and it's great to remember all God did in her, for her and thru her and then to trust He wants to do the same for each and everyone of us!! Wow, Jill
marie says
Hi- I really enjoy reading through the posts and really like the whole Proverbs 31site. I'm in a pretty uncomfortable spiritual position at the monment though – I definately feel I have missed a very unique opportunity because I failed to believe in God and am feeling very down about it.I'm a long standing single and two years ago I met a very special guy who was a Christian. Although I regularly attended church, I wasn't sure of my beliefs and sadly all my doubts and fears led me to eventually end the relationship. He did believe in me but I didn't believe in myself and rather than believe that it may have been God's will for me to just follow the path, I gave up in total fear that I was "frauding" it at being a Christian. We now no longer have contact and I'm trying very hard to get by it but I am immensely sad, not least at what I have done to him but how I have completely failed God. I feel no connection with the spirit any longer and wonder if that was it – my chance to believe and follow has gone and with it all the blessings that could have been.Wow…some Christmas cheer eh?!! I guess it just helps even to type it all out and I'd apprecaite the prayer of anyone who may happen to read this.Thanks