journey onWord with us

Every year our world is confronted with major challenges. Just this year we have watched Japan ravaged by an earthquake and tsunami, and America overwhelmed as tornadoes swept through states like Missouri, Alabama and Tennessee. We have seen revolutionary uprisings in countries like Libya and Egypt. America has been fighting over our debt, received a downgrade to our credit rating and is still fighting with high unemployment. And just this weekend, a hurricane created havoc on the east coast of the United States. Just as new challenges come every year to our country and world, each year brings its own set of challenges personally. Our Creator is up to date on all our world challenges for this year, and He is also in tune with the challenges we face personally.

It is not God’s control, but our lack of confidence as we face challenges that create an unsettled spirit. As a child, I learned the words of a song that were easy to believe. In growing older, I never forgot these words. When I read the simple words, I am reminded that God is not limited by my challenges. He is in control!

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable;
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?
God specializes in things tho’t impossible;
He does things others cannot do.

excerpt from Got Any Rivers, Oscar C. Eliason, copyright 1945

You, no doubt, have some uncrossable rivers before you right now, and so do I. There may even be some mountains of difficulty staring you right in the face. When we are not firm and steadfast in our view of God’s power, impossibilities look … well, impossible. The old song says that God specializes in things that are “tho’t impossible”. Can we believe it, or are those words just wishful thinking? Experience has taught me that those who pray earnestly with confident faith, see God do “things others cannot do”. You and I have no challenges bigger than God’s ability.

Jeremiah the prophet affirmed our assertion in Jeremiah 32:17 with the words, “Ah Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” These words are not wishful thinking, they are absolute truth, and we can trust Him with all of our challenges. Our problems are not impossible to Him, and he desires an invitation into the midst of them.

Each year will bring new earthquakes, tornadoes, revolutions, hurricanes and economic struggles. And we will always face new challenges personally. I am sure you believe God is in control of our world, but can you believe in Him for your river crossings and mountain passes? Your impossible challenges are never too hard for Him.  Believe it!