Nothing’s Impossible.

What does nothing mean? Is that everything, and anything? Is God indicating that if I asked for any whimsical fancy he would grant it? Can I ask for an infinite array of worldly pleasures and would he grant it to me? Is God some sort of genie who grants wishes to those who ask?

As I ponder these things I realize that there must be more than meets the eye to this verse. Granted, the scriptures are right in indicating that God can do all things. However when it pertains to what we can expect him to do there are limitations. Scripture indicates that God can do nothing outside of his will, and that when praying we should pray in line with his will. Thus the scripture is true pending only on its alignment with God’s will.

Thus knowing God’s will becomes the key. God’s will must first be understood and then discerned. Understanding God’s will is probably the easier of the two. We may understand that God wants us to be provided for, thus it would be his will for us to have a job. Further, it is easily understood that God wants us healthy, hence we can pray for healing. Also we know God wants people saved, thus we can expect those we share our faith with to come to Christ. Thus understanding God’s will in many areas is often quite apparent. However, when faced with a situation where you have prayed and nothing is occurring, you may need to discern God’s will in that instance. Many have fallen by the wayside on the journey of faith, because of ignorance in this area. They may even doubt God’s word simply because of lack of perceived results.

Discerning God’s will always begins with the understood will of God. For often one will be tempted to forgo believing in God’s word, were it not be a strong assurance in what God desires. It is a series of events, decisions and actions. Discerning his will involves patience, as one waits for God’s timing. It involves accountability, as one listens to Godly people as to how God’s will could unfold in their situation. Discerning his will involves personal integrity, as the individual is challenged to “walk the talk” and not act contrary to what their belief indicates. Discerning his will involves an intimate, ongoing relationship with God that is based on grace and not works. Thereby underscoring that its all about relationship and not the effects of the relationship.

God indeed has stated that nothing will be impossible for you and I. We must not be unclear about that. His word is truth. We need to be people of faith, latching on bull doggedly to his word and persevering to see it come to fruition in our lives. How else are we going to see a great God do might things for a hurting world? Yet at the same time, let’s not forgot that fulfillment of his word is often related to an appropriate season that must accurately be discerned.

Let’s achieve great things for God together. I challenge you to use your faith as a tool, not necessarily for personal gain, but primarily for kingdom purposes, expecting God to do great and mighty things, making the impossible become possible in your life.