Impossible Possibilities

For several years now one word has been used as my mantra over and over again – “perseverance”. The word is framed on my bookshelf, it frequently appears in Bible verses that I am reading and it is the theme of many Bible studies and book studies that I have completed. I know the word perseverance is key to how I should live my life but I haven’t fully understood the strength behind the word.

The Free Dictionary defines perseverance in two ways. Below are those two definitions.

perseverance [ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns] n

1. continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence

2. (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) Christianity persistence in remaining in a state of grace until death

Both definitions hit home with me and remind me of the power behind the word. Both are reminders to focus on God in all. This was highlighted specifically for me as I read a devotional from Sarah Young’s Jesus Lives. One single word stood out at the top of the page the other morning “Trials”. I knew immediately just from the one word title that these words were going to have an impact on me. You see we all face “impossibilities” in our lives – struggles with work, struggles with family or friendships, struggles with food, struggles with our faith. The possibilities of the impossibilities are endless. My immediate reaction is to view the situation as a mountain that is impossible to climb. Where is my strength and where is my hope to persevere no matter what??? The glaring headlines of my inadequacy and lack of courage tries to take the upper hand and cut me off at the knees. My hope fades away and any thoughts of persevering tag teams with hope right out the window.

But then one verse rings clear and I know that God is framing my face with His hands so I am looking directly at Him and listening:

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”. Matthew 19:26

I struggle to turn away because not facing the impossibilities would be easier. Each time God whispers and calls me back to Him to say “I’m not letting you give up. Fall into my arms and let me catch you and hold you because I am God, your friend, keeper and source of strength.” Holding on tight to God’s promises is where perseverance meets impossibilities. What areas in your life do you need to persevere? Are you surrendering yourself to God and His promises? Do you walk through each day remembering “with God all things are possible”? Hold on tight to the power of God and let these words soak into you when facing impossibilities is the last thing you want to do.

I would love to hear from you in the comment section how you persevere and what verses you cling to when the impossibilities of your life are greater than what God has promised!