By Ed Lyons
I appreciate J. Hudson Taylor’s quote, “I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”
God often calls us to do the impossible, showing us time and again that with Him, all things are possible.
It wasn’t a simple task for Abraham to leave country, culture and family for a land that wasn’t yet visible. Yet by faith he went, “for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10)
To Israel, it seemed as if they would never leave Egypt, much less be able to cross the Red Sea. How could they make it through the wilderness to the Promised Land?
Conquering Canaan? Felling a giant? Toppling city walls… Extending daylight hours… Feeding 5,000+… Walking on water… Moving mountains… Raising the dead to life… Making disciples of all nations…?
All approaching impossible.
Somewhere in the back of our minds, lingering in a distant corner, is Matthew 19:26, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
As we repeatedly sweep away the cobwebs and shine the light of Truth into that corner of our thoughts, the more we begin to believe it. Dare I say, live it.
No longer do we shy away from seemingly futile goals. Instead of running from them, we now seek them. Charge toward them. Pick up the smooth stones and sling shot and walk into the blistering sun while others jeer.
For in so doing, we see the power of God!
What glory is there in staying comfortably in the Shire when facing Smaug can save lives?
For thus men have crossed oceans, traversed the poles, and explored space.
And this is why we (you and our other PPF partners) are building Gigaiba Hospital in the middle of a warzone in an area still under a humanitarian blockade. To accomplish, in God’s strength, what is impossible for man in his own.
We walk in faith to declare His glory and to praise His Name. One day, we will see the impossible accomplished, and we’ll marvel at His goodness to us and to the Nuba people.
