It’s Possible, June 1
Written by Thomas Sherrod
“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27 NIV).
Does anyone else have “pet peeves,” things that just rub you the wrong way? Currently, my number one aggravation is hearing someone load spiritual burdens onto the backs of others. It goes something like this: “If only you were more loving, forgiving, considerate, hospitable (or insert your own virtue), you would be really fulfilling your Christian obligation.” It is a subtle and enticing form of “works righteousness.” This perspective falsely says it is the responsibility of the individual, not Christ, to fulfill the requirement of their salvation. When I am the receiver of such a misconstrued message I feel burdened and slightly guilty, which motivates me to try a little harder. Sound familiar?
In today’s verse, Jesus responds to a rich young ruler’s question about what he must do to inherit eternal life. He gives the ruler a daunting task: sell all he has, give it to the poor and follow him. He says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Then comes the “but” that offers hope. In today’s verse Jesus says, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” The gospel proclaims God has done what we could never do! Consequently, we live in gratitude for what God has done for us, not in constant effort to be “good enough.” Saint Paul puts it this way: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 NIV).
Have you ever had someone offer you advice on how to cope with your cancer? “If only” or “you need to” are burdensome words, even when offered in a well-meaning manner. If you could get rid of the cancer by your own effort or will power, it would already be long gone. Of course, fighting cancer is different than inheriting eternal life. Fighting cancer is a battle against the spread of abnormal cells in the body. Everlasting life is a gift from God.
I do not have a quick fix or a magical suggestion to help you through your cancer journey. However, I do believe what is impossible with men is possible with God. I trust God will make a way. I am encouraged by this scripture: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NKJV)
May this truth move us to pray: “I love you, Lord, and I look forward to the things You have prepared for me.”
Pray: Lord, thank You that what is impossible with me is possible through You. Help me know all Your promises find their “Yes” in You. I love You and thank You for Your Word that encourages my soul. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to help you see His hand opening doors you thought were bolted shut.
Thomas W. Sherrod, Cancer Survivor
Tom is a retired hospital chaplain who works part time for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health System in North Carolina. He organized and facilitated a cancer support group for twenty years as part of his hospital ministry. He is married for forty-four years and enjoys his three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. He is a recent survivor of prostate cancer and is immensely thankful for all of God's grace and provisions through it all.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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