10/13/2018
Do you find that adhering to the commandments of God and Jesus Christ is too difficult for you? When you read that Jesus said “Go and sin no more.” were these words frightening to you and more than you felt you could accomplish? Well my friend, if we were to attempt these things alone, then they surely would be too much for us, and we would be right to be frightened and concerned, but in God all this and more are possible.
“For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with man is possible with God."”
Luke 18:25-27 ESV
Today I have traveled far to pray over the wedding of my nephew and his bride. As I attended the rehearsal yesterday it carried me back 42 years to my own wedding ceremony, and the fear I had on that day before God. I was excited and happy, but at the same time I was concerned... would I be able to support this woman, would I be able to love her as Christ loved the church, could I face all that life would put in our path in a way that would not be disappointing to my new wife, our families, and to God? It was s moment of great love, great joy, great faith, and incredible apprehension.
Now, all these years later, I realize that life doesn’t come in one overwhelming rush, but in individual moments and days, one at a time. I also realize that by turning to God, and asking His assistance in these moments, at the beginning of each day, and in the midst of every trial or decision, I have been able to do those things His Word asks a husband to do, and have fulfilled all of those responsibilities that caused me such concern. As I stood there, a young man on the altar, making covenant before God, and pledging my love and fidelity to my new bride, I feared that I might fail, but in God all was made possible, and with His help that continues to this day.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:33-34 ESV
New beginnings, new problems, new sorrows, new challenges, are all met one at a time, and they come together to form a life. When we are privileged to look back on them after many years we find that God has seen us through each of them, and that these tough times have served as the spice which has brought wonderful flavor to our joys, faith, accomplishments, and the happy times we have lived. What we once feared as impossible, was made possible, and this is the wisdom that God speaks into us, and that we attempt to pass along to our children.
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7, 9 ESV
So it is with marriage, and so it is with our faith as a whole. Our challenges bring us to our knees before God, and His faithfulness lifts us to our feet once more. The impossible becomes possible, and our tiny seed of faith grows into a mighty tree... and none of this are we able to do alone.
We were alone and God gave us a wife. We were few and God promised to make us a nation. We were in trouble, and God went before us a mighty warrior. We could not overcome sin, and God sent His Son to redeem us. We didn’t remember or understand, and God sent His Holy Spirit to bring these things to mind. We were weak in the face of His Word, and God strengthened us. We were wavering in our faith, lost in our sorrows and fears, yet He never failed us.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."”
Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV
So today my nephew and his bride will be wed, and their life together will begin, and if I impart nothing else to them today it will be that no marriage, and truly no life, is possible without God. One is lonely, two is better, but with God, three makes all things possible.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for being with me always, and for helping me through all those times that I fear my situation impossible. Thank you Holy Father for your hand that has rested upon me in my prayers, for your Son Jesus who intercedes for me, and for your comforting Spirit that reveals your Word to me. Thank you Merciful Father for your peace, protection, prosperity, and for never abandoning me to myself. Help me Father to lean on you every moment of every day, and to never lose sight of your goodness, and love for me. Hold me in the night when I cry, feed my hunger when I am starving, give me water when I thirst... in all the hardships of my life provide for me, and in every thing that is impossible for me, make it possible in you. You are great beyond my comprehension, and I will praise and glorify you always. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, in whom all things are made possible, and in whom the sum of my life rests.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Rich Forbes