“Difficult” does not mean “impossible”
Over Christmas break, my husband and I spent a couple of evenings watching reruns (new to us) of American Ninja Warrior. It’s inspiring to hear some of the the competitors’ stories about facing and overcoming adversity to become these impressive athletes. One particular female athlete especially stuck out to me. Suffering with the debilitating effects of Type 1 diabetes, she went on to become the supreme ninja in the women’s competition.
She made a few very powerful statements. First, to others who may be dealing with the same condition, she reminded them that that just makes all of their accomplishments that much more amazing. There was never a word about giving up or feeling sorry for themselves. Rather, they should press on, work hard, and discover the great rewards of conquering. Second, she shared her motto for her own life: “I don’t need you to tell me it will be difficult; I just need to know that it’s possible.”
Her references, of course, were aimed at the human spirit, and the human physical ability to be strengthened and to press on through affliction. As beautiful as that is to see, there are still limitations to what can be accomplished in the human body — even one that is the healthiest and fittest of us all.
There is only One who can truly make everything possible. And that is our Creator, God, who made you and everything in the world. The transcendent, omnipotent God, who knows all things and sees all things, and is above all things.
In Luke 1, an angel appeared to Mary to announce that she would give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world. She questioned such an announcement because it was humanly impossible, because she was a virgin. The angel had to remind her that this was not a matter of human achievement, but of God’s redemptive act alone. HE was the source of salvation, and as the angel said, "For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:27).
In another passage, Jesus has a discussion with a rich young ruler of that day who came to Him to ask Him how he might be able to gain eternal life. The man had spent his whole life being religious, he said, following all of the commandments. But Jesus told him that if he gave up everything he owned and follow Him, then he could have eternal life. The man walked away, sad, because he a lot of wealth, and he was not able to give up that which he truly treasured in his heart and that he thought gave him security. Jesus then taught his disciples that it is difficult for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God. The very thing they trust in was not enough to give them eternal life. He told his disciples that it is impossible for men to gain salvation by their own efforts. But, “…with God all things are possible.” Even those with all of the riches in the world must recognize that salvation is only possible by trusting in God and putting Him first (incidentally, the first of the Ten Commandments that this rich young ruler said that he followed all of his life!).
Nothing we can do in our human ability will ever be enough to earn salvation. Nor will it ultimately be enough to face the adversity, at least not in victory, that we each will undoubtedly face on this earth cursed with sin and rebellion. However, as the apostle Paul reminded the Philippians in one of the most well-known Scriptures today: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Often, that verse is taken out of context. It does NOT mean that whatever we choose to do we can just use Jesus as a kind of good luck charm to achieve and win. Rather, Paul is referring to contentment. Whether in sufferings or good times, Christ gives us everything we need to be content and to keep our minds and hearts on eternal things, so that the things of this world become less and less important to us…including our own perceived security and achievements.
In this new year, may you trust in our wonderful, compassionate Creator, who sent us Jesus to make a way to salvation, and in Jesus, who overcame death and the grave, and who, to all who believe in Him He gives the Holy Spirit as a down payment for our eternal inheritance and for empowerment to live a victorious life in these temporary days.
We don’t need to be told something will be difficult. We just need to know it’s possible. And with our souls secured and strengthened by our gracious Lord, all things are truly possible through Him!