As I contemplated the Christmas story this year, I thought about Gabriel’s words to Mary in Luke 1:35,37. “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” These are powerful words of Gabriel to Mary concerning her pregnancy as a virgin. He also told Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God,” (Luke 1:19). We must admit that if Gabriel stands before God, and has for eons, then he knows by “experience” that NOTHING is impossible with God!
I wonder if we really believe that nothing is impossible with God. I think of the miracle of Elizabeth, conceiving a child in her old age. We even see with Sarah at 90 years old giving birth to Isaac. And my mind floods with all of God’s miracles throughout our Bible. But, when we fall into hard times, I think we have the tendency to think that only a few things are possible with God, because we see it from our own perspective and our limited answers and demands. I think we realize that it isn’t the miracles that are the focus, are they? But the focus is that “with God, nothing is impossible” because he has countless ways to answer the cry of our heart.
Several years back, I realized that it was complete ignorance on my part to pray, while in my words, somewhat telling God how to answer my prayer. “God, please send money to help these people in their crisis.” That’s a prayer to the “God of only a few things are possible.” What’s possible with God is uncountable. He told us through the Apostle Paul,26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us…” (Romans 8:26). So I began to pray out of the cry of my heart. “God, help these people,” and many times just, “God, help!” I really don’t know how to pray what’s best for people, so it’s easier to let the Spirit carry the cry to the father. What I see from that is “the God where nothing is impossible.” As I review my prayers, I realize that not one time, if I told him how to answer my prayer, would he have done it my way. It has always been a different answer. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” Praying and watching is a lot more exciting when we leave it to him and watch Him answer!
Author: Steve Blackwell