Created to BeSample

Impossible Possibilities

By Zach Neese

One of my favorite lines in literature comes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Why do I love that quote so much? Because sometimes it’s easier to believe for impossibilities than possibilities. When we pray for something we know is possible, we tend to fret over the “how.” How will God answer this prayer? When I pray for impossibilities, I am unconcerned with the “how” because when something is impossible, the only option is a miracle. God has to do it or it won’t get done. I have to stop believing in the “how,” and start believing in the “who”—my Father. 

Some years ago, we were at a party and my 18-month-old daughter, Maggie, toddled fully dressed into a swimming pool. I didn’t see her go in, but my daughter Charis did, and she immediately dove in to save her baby sister. The problem was that Charis was only three years old, and she couldn’t swim either! When I got to the edge of the pool, I was met with a terrifying sight: my precious little girls staring up at me, a foot under water. In one hand Charis gripped her little sister’s jacket, and with the other she was pulling against the water—stretching toward the surface with every ounce of her inadequate strength.

Was there ever a possibility Charis could save Maggie from the pool? No. But that thought never crossed her mind. She just knew her sister needed her, and she went in after her.

I cannot tell you how proud I was when I pulled my two girls out of the water and Charis, sputtering on the deck of the pool, was completely unflustered. She was unafraid! As if she knew the whole time this was the only possible outcome. Of course Daddy would jump in and pull us out! Daddy can do anything! We are his little girls!

Charis may not have known much, but she knew this: When the waters are so deep and you’re drowning, your Father can still touch bottom. He is there. He cares. And He can do anything. If you can believe that much, you will see miracles. In fact, in Mark 9:23 Jesus says, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

You may be facing a “drowning” situation as we speak. You or someone your heart adores might be caught in the undertow, life’s waves breaking over you, and you are going down. It’s not your job to do the impossible. Your job is to jump in, get your “impossibility” in one hand, and reach for your Father with the other. That is really all intercession is. Taking the impossible to God who does the impossible before breakfast. 

Prayer

Father, God, show me today if there is an impossibility You would like me to take hold of in prayer. I believe nothing is impossible for You. I believe You are here and You care. Would You jump into this situation? Take it into Your strong hands, with Your unfailing love, and do what only You can do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Memory Verse

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