Possible

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – (Luke 18:27, NIV)

Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.” – (Luke 18:27, ERV)

Jesus: Remember, what is humanly impossible is possible with God. – (Luke 18:27, VOICE)

On our own, many things are not possible. However, with God, all things are possible. This does not mean that He works with a magic wand to grant wishes, but rather He moves in ways we could never imagine and does the impossible on our behalf. His power goes beyond human understanding, and His love, far greater than we can fathom. Each day I am reminded of this as I go to work to teach classes that I have never taught before, and encounter challenges that have not been present previously. On my own, I’d be sunk. With God, I have new strength every morning and new resolve to start again. Some days I look back and am in awe of how He carried me and other days I can see how He equipped me. Either way, He does far more than I could hope or imagine and has blessed me with new things that bring me joy. My new role as an assistant volleyball coach ends each day well, no matter how my last few classes unfolded. God knows our hearts and finds ways to remind us that all is possible with Him. May we ever look to the Lord to be our strength and to move in and through us as only He can do.

What’s impossible,

To humanity;

Is not for the Lord,

Our Savior unseen.

Ever He’s working,

Much more than we see;

His plans are for good,

To eternity.

So, trust in the Lord,

He moves far beyond;

Help when we’re weary,

His love makes us strong.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for moving far beyond what we can see or imagine. Thank You that what is impossible for us is not for You. Forgive us for limiting You with our human understanding. Teach us to trust You more as we recognize the impossibilities that You have made possible all around us. Show us how to love as You love, which on our own is truly impossible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things – great and small, and praise You for all that is possible in You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

“If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23

Quenched By Faithful Love

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. – (Psalm 63:1, NIV)

God, You are my God. I am searching so hard to find You. Body and soul, I thirst for You in this dry and weary land without water. – (Psalm 63:1, ERV)

O True God, You are my God, the One whom I trust. I seek You with every fiber of my being. In this dry and weary land with no water in sight, my soul is dry and longs for You. My body aches for You, for Your presence. – (Psalm 63:1, VOICE)

Thankfully, in the Pacific Northwest, the land is rarely dry and parched without water. However, all of us have seasons where we find ourselves thirsty for more. The only One who can truly satisfy is God. He brings strength and rest in our weariness, peace in our chaos, and love where it seems to be lacking. His timing is perfect, and He knows our needs best. Normally, today would be the beginning of the home stretch of a long week, yet tomorrow, just in time, is a day that will provide much needed rest. It is far easier to find the strength and resolve to rise and prepare for the day when it is the final work day of the week. I know that the feeling is similar among educators everywhere, as this has been a long and exhausting start to the school year. It is amazing to have kids back in classrooms, yet I am experiencing and can see it on the faces of my colleagues, weighty weariness. As I continue to seek the Lord to fill and renew me, it is my prayer that the extra day of rest will bring refreshment and new resolve for staff and students alike. May we choose to trust in the Lord, who is our strength and supply, even in the dry and weary spaces.

When weariness comes,

And reserves run dry;

The Lord is faithful,

In love, He’ll reply.

Each time we ask Him,

With grace, He comes near;

Grants strength in weakness,

And quiets our fear.

His strength is plenty,

His grace provides rest;

His love overwhelms,

And His care is best.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You when we are weary and parched, and You are faithful to meet us where we are and provide what we need. Thank You that You love us best, and care for us through every trial and triumph. Forgive us for not seeking You in our lack. Teach us to trust You more, as You are our Provider. Show us how to love those around us in ways that bring strength in weariness and grace and goodness where it is lacking. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to satisfy our lack and bring peace in our weariness. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 1:3

From Whom We Draw Our Strength

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. – (Ephesians 6:10, NLT)

Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God. – (Ephesians 6:10, VOICE)

 

Though these were Paul’s words of exhortation to the church in Ephesus as they were facing opposition, they still resonate for us today, as we all need to draw strength from the Lord in the face of uncertain times. Regardless of political preferences, it seems there is much fear across our nation. So much is uncertain and unknown. Our reality is that the only thing that is certain and secure, is that God is good, and His love never fails. We need to remember from Whom we draw our strength, and continue to walk in faith according to His call. May we rise up in faith with new resolve, ready and equipped to love well. For if God is for us, who can stand against us?

 

In uncertainty,

Let’s look to the Lord;

For He is our strength,

All grace He affords.

His power He grants,

To all who draw near;

His love is greater,

So we need not fear.

May we choose to rise,

Go forth with resolve;

Love as we are loved,

As He asks us all.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of strength in uncertainty, and that we can come before You in Your mighty power and ask for help. Forgive us for placing too much faith in any one person, and instead help us look to You to lead us well. Teach us to trust You more, no matter what we see, and show us how to love all those around us, so that they may be strengthened and encouraged, easing the fears that fight for footing. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are thankful that You are our Mighty God from whom we draw our strength. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:19