Tonight I took out my Biblical Confessions sheet (CFCers, raise your hands– you know what I’m talking about.) I began reading under “Faith”…and was challenged, inspired, empowered. You know.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”–hmm, yeah, wow. Powerful. “…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” Stop. Read again. Huh.
I guess when I think about being able to do “all things”, my definition, in actuality, falls short of “all”. It’s more like, “within the realm of human possibility.” In real life, I quote Philippians 4:13 until I come up against something that just seems bigger than me, and frankly, I’m exhausted. And you know, that’s all right. I’ve done enough for one day. I’m only human; I can’t be expected to do the impossible.
I mean, it’s just silly to think that I could love anymore than I’ve already loved, or serve anymore, or give anymore, or work anymore, or smile and be cheerful anymore. Come on. I mean, at some point, you’ve just reached human limitation, and what can you expect, after all?
But there it is, plain as day, black and white, inspired Word of God. He, a constant source of strength and character and JOY! I can do all things–and still more!
I read on: “All things are possible to him who believes. If I have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, I can say to a mountain, ‘Move,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible to me.”
All things are possible. I began to recall moments of doubting in my recent history (24-36 hours is enough, in this situation!). What was I doubting? This: my ability to have a better attitude. The possibility of this actually turning out to be a decent day. Not terribly spiritual, and it would usually slip under the radar screen, but not today. Suddenly that grumpiness, or the exhaustion that seems to prohibit smiling, is a mountain in my heart–a mountain that can be moved by faith.
Nothing will be impossible to me. Happiness, joy, cheerful service, endless giving–these are not impossible to me. Even when they’re out of the realm of human possibility, and a mountain of stubborn flesh seems to be quite decidedly in the way, they’re still an option for me!
And with that thought, I’m off to bed!