“Nothing will be impossible for you.” Jesus’ comment to His disciples as they walk away from the base of the Mount of Transfiguration is just one of a long line of similar exhortations in Scripture. God has repeatedly told His people that they are His people, that He is with them and therefore they can and must do all that He tells them to do. That doesn’t mean it will be easy. It doesn’t mean there won’t be opposition. In fact, Jesus’ comment is made right after the disciples have faced the demonic while they were physically apart from Him. So while we may feel a level of fear or uncertainty, we must know that when we go to obey God, victory is assured.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.”
God’s people know these things. The Psalmist said, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” And Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Indeed, every story of victory in both Old Testament and New Testament is the story of God’s people hearing God and obeying God – often in spite of fierce opposition.
It takes courage to be a faithful disciple. Not just courage to stand in the face of opposition, but courage to overcome the fleshly desire for anonymous safety. For God calls us not to stand in the shadows, but to lead others to Himself. That means walking in faith and prayer, even when all around you are not. That means overcoming spiritual opposition (such as the demonic the disciples have just faced). That means becoming known and speaking out for His glory. The Christ-life is a life largely lived in the open. It is a life entirely lived in the knowledge that God has saved, empowered and commissioned us to do what is completely and utterly impossible without Him.
Nothing is impossible for the disciple of God because – as the archangel Gabriel said, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
Amen.
We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
Chuck Swindoll
APPLICATION: Thankfulness
God is with you in power when you are about His purposes.