WITH GOD ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Jenna Worsham
Today's Scripture: “Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” Matthew 19:26, NLT
Theme: You can’t accomplish the impossible; but thank God, because He can.
IMPOSSIBLE
Chuck Swindoll once said, “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” As a student, growing up seemed an impossible situation. Driving safely was terrifying. Moving away seemed crazy. Maintaining a healthy marriage seemed unlikely and frightening. Parenting young children, teenagers, caring for aging parents – all seemed impossible. Earning eternal life – well that really is impossible unless there is Someone bigger than me.
HOW DO I EARN IT?
To the rich young ruler who asked Jesus about how to earn eternal life, the requirements were impossible. He was an upstanding guy; he kept all the Law. However, when asked to sell everything, give away the money, and follow Jesus? “But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions” (Matthew 19:22, ESV). He wasn’t asking the right question. Asking how to earn eternal life is a dead end.
Even the disciples were aghast. “The disciples were astounded. ‘Then who in the world can be saved?’ they asked” (Matthew 19:25, ESV). The rich young ruler couldn’t do it. The disciples couldn’t do it. I certainly can’t fulfill the requirements to earn eternal life. But thank God, because Jesus can (and did).
ASK CORRECTLY
The right questions are:
• Is it possible to have eternal life?
• Are You the One who can provide exactly what we need?
• Thank You, Jesus. May I join you?
Make it Personal: What situation are you facing that, humanly speaking, is impossible? Consider some ways God can provide for your needs, even when you can’t. Read Matthew 19:26 out loud. Here is a paraphrase translation if you want to read it:
“Jesus looked hard at them and said, ‘No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.’” (Matthew 19:26, MSG)
Pray: Thank You, Lord, for making a way for me because I know saving myself is impossible. Help me through my current struggles and save me from an eternity without You. With You, all things are possible. Help me to believe and know that truth, no matter what I’m facing. Thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You for teaching me gently and bringing me along. You are so kind to me. In His Name I pray. Amen
Read: Matthew 19:16-30
Memory Verse of the Week: “And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.” Matthew 14:28-29, ESV