Articles
Difficult, But Not Impossible
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Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. . . . With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:23, 26)
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When confronted with a challenge to liquidate his assets and give the proceeds to the poor, the rich young ruler balked; he just couldn’t do it. Surely Jesus was asking the impossible of this young man. Even His disciples winced at His order: "Who then can be saved?" they asked (v. 25).
Each one of us faces similar challenges in our own faith journey, decisions that require extraordinary levels of discipline and sacrifice. These decisions are hard, no doubt--but they are not impossible.
Resisting temptation is hard. Whether breaking an addictive habit like alcohol or pornography or gambling; or refusing to retaliate against an enemy who has wronged us; or not allowing bitterness and envy to poison our heart when passing through dark times. It’s all hard--but not impossible.
Standing up for truth and right is difficult, especially in an environment where anyone who does so is threatened and attacked. Countless martyrs through the ages testify to the price for staying true to one's convictions. It is painful--but not impossible.
Building a happy marriage and raising children to be responsible adults is a challenge, especially in a culture that ridicules God and morality. The daily battles to keep integrity foremost in our families may grind us down and discourage us--but it is not impossible.
Jesus never asks us to do what is truly impossible. What the rich young ruler found impossible to do, the early Christians later did in large numbers (Ac. 2:44-45; 4:34-35). They did it, not because they possessed superhuman strength, but because they believed in a source of power that transcended their own human weakness. They saw in the life and teachings of Jesus a model of what humanity ought to be. That example inspired them to step out into a world they never knew existed. And by taking that step, they changed the world.
The next time you're faced with an obligation that makes you want to scream, "I can't do this!," step back and take a more expansive look at the scene before you. God has a reason for placing you in that moment, even if you can't see it. Yes, the task is hard He is calling you to do--but it is not impossible. Fix your eyes on Jesus, put your shoulder to the load, and press on.
You've got this.
-- David
