Nothing is Impossible
by Mark Gungor on September 30th, 2009
It’s a good thing that we Christians of today aren’t the Christians of the first century church; otherwise the whole Christian movement would never have lasted and spread throughout the world. People today don’t have what it takes to navigate the slightest of hardships or difficulties. Anything that isn’t easy or flat out gets “too hard” sends us packing. Persistent trials or even mild conflict in relationships—whether it be in marriage, family, on the job or in the church they attend—cause many people to just quit and give up. Never mind that we aren’t talking about getting thrown in prison, being beaten, having your children murdered or even giving up your very life.
We live in a day and age when everything is about easy. Our culture says if anything is difficult, you don’t have to do it– or even worse, that you can’t do it. Difficult has become synonymous with impossible. Husbands and wives can’t keep their marriage vows because it’s impossible to stay faithful. They divorce because their particular marital situation is impossible. They give up fighting for their marriage because they have issues and disagreements and it’s impossible to keep going.
Just because something is hard, doesn’t mean it is impossible—especially if you are a believer and have the power of the Holy Spirit living and working in you. While we have the most incredible help available to us through Christ, it doesn’t mean that everything about life or marriage is easy. The bible never promises easy. In fact, many times scripture tells us quite the opposite. Jesus himself said that we would have trouble in this life. Paul wrote that married people would experience trouble. And it doesn’t say we might have trouble or if we have trouble, rather when we have it. The Bible is very clear that we will not have a life of ease. One, because we live in a fallen world full of sin, and two, because life on easy street does nothing to create character or build faith.
Even the Lord Jesus himself underwent extreme trial, pain, harshness and adversity, yet somehow we modern believers think that we are immune from anything challenging or uncomfortable. As soon as it gets hard for us we say it’s too hard or impossible and play the “get-out of-difficulty-free” card. We act as if that exempts us from having to hang in, endure and do the right things. What we need today in the Church are more people who are willing to actually believe the Word of God when it says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
We need to stop saying, “I can’t do it” or “It’s impossible”, just because something is hard or difficult. That’s what enduring and persevering are all about. Those believers in the early church knew that nothing was impossible. They knew they could endure all things and they were even willing to lay down their very lives in the most supreme sacrifice of all. Because of their endurance and willingness to sacrifice comfort and ease, the Gospel which they lived for spread throughout the world and as the bible says, “turned the world upside down.”
I hear people say things like, “I want to forgive, I’m trying to forgive, but I just can’t” or “I am trying to control this or that bad habit or behavior, but it’s impossible.” What they really mean is they want it to be easy and pain free and it’s not. Sometimes it is very difficult to do the right things but it can be done, even if it costs you something. Generally that something is self. Letting the selfish part of you die is very painful, very uncomfortable, yet very necessary. It’s in dying to self that we are conformed to the very image of Christ. And that is why adversity is good for us… even if it doesn’t feel good.
Imagine what we could do in our own marriages, homes, families and churches if we were willing to stick it out, toughen up, and do the right things no matter how painful, hard, or difficult they were. What would happen if modern day believers were to learn, memorize, and truly believe what the scriptures tell us about nothing being impossible for God? What if we took hold of the truth of His Word and embraced our troubles, knowing that we can do all things through His power? Surely, it would be a radical departure from the cultural norm of ease and excuses that we have been following. Today’s Church could again, turn the world upside down—or at the very least, our own families.
Mark, you must have had me in mind when you wrote this. Seriously, I know it was the Holy Spirit that needed to remind me of this.
I’ve been out of work (my tent-making trade) since July and yes, it’s “hard.” At times I feel hopeless but then I remember that our God is a God that can do anything, and through Him, we can do all things.
But it is, in fact, easier said than done. I want to give God glory by being true to His Word. Your post was a reminder of that. We must endure and we must persist. In all things, we must pray as well. Praise God that you wrote this post.
Ditto – I am in the trenches of saving my marriage. Actually, better stated, I am on the sidelines as I entrust the battle to Him. For 7 straight days since “I gave up” saving my marriage and actually turned it over to our GREAT ALMIGHTY – each and every day (sometimes multiples ways and multiple times) he has reminded or encouraged me that the battle is won and that I need to just “remain in Him”
Here is a verse to postscript to this:
Colossians 1:11
“God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient.” NCV
I am also trying to save my marriage and I pray and pray and try so hard to trust God and turn it over to him. But I see and feel nothing. It seems like I am on my own in this. When you say that you just turn it over to God, what do you do then? Just wait and hope and pray? Or are you still taking some kind of action?
Thanks.
I feel the same way you do. After 6 months, we are still separated. Lately things just keep getting worst. How do we stop the madness and defenses to just get along and enjoy one another?
I don’t know what it means either to “hand it over to God”. I pray and request prayers for better things to come and for a saved marriage. Is there any hope?
Kristen, I may be a man but I understand how you feel. About 10 months ago I thought my marriage was over. My wife moved into our spare bedroom and wouldn’t have anything to do with me unless it was absolutely necessary. I won’t lie to you and say things are good now but, I will tell you that they are better.
What helped me was having a guy friend I could talk to, pray with and would speak truth into my life. He helped me to stop fault finding and trying to fix things myself. I had to do for my wife exactly what Christ did for me and you. I decided that no matter what she did I had to love her and forgive her unconditionally. Then I turned it all over to Jesus and within a week or so I began to feel his presence again. He has never left you or forsaken you.
Remember the poem “Footprints” Relax you are right in the palm of his mighty hand.
Find that friend and ask God to change you not your husband. When he finally notices the difference, you will know what God has done and want to shout it from the roof tops. Just remember that divorce is not an option. Study what Christ said in Mark 10:2-9. Only because of a hard heart did Moses write the law allowing divorce. Mal 2:16 “I hate divorce” says the Lord God of Israel.
Jesus is waiting for your surrender right now. The battle is already won. Remember Jesus final words on the cross “IT IS FINISHED!” Pray right now and ask God to show you what seeds you have been planting because as I discovered myself I was reaping my harvest for the negative things I had done. Now it’s time to plant good seed while you harvest your weed patch. God will take care of you if you just let him.
Great truth Mark. For the first 20 years of our marriage, my wife and I took turns doing horrible things that would cause most other marriages to fall to pieces. Yet, divorce was simply never an option. We toughed it out and now, for the last 6 years, are working overtime to make up for the first 20. Moreover, with both our duaghters on the brink of marriage themselves, we have a valuable story to pass on of faith and marital success in the face of trouble that WILL come, (although certainly their troubles will look different than ours). I know so many couples…so, so many…who threw in the towel on their marriages at the first ripple in the water. They didn’t even wait for the storm, let alone try to ride it out.
I watched your show for the very first time, and enjoyed it very much. I am trying to do right for the very first time in my life. I am 52 yrs. of age and I have created alot of problems in my marriage. My wife is wonderful and I wish I was more like her, but although my past is very blemished, my future though is spotless. We will be married 3 yrs. oct. 07 2009. I just found out that my firstborn was also married the same day and year and we don’t even know each other ! I haven’t seen him in 30 yrs. Thanks, and keep up the good work. Give god the glory. Joseph-Numbers 6:24-26; Romans 1:9; Hebrews 13:20,21.
Mark, I found your website and it is TRULY AWESOME…Thank you, thank you for the wake up call…Please keep encouraging and motivating us ALL to seek and BELIEVE the Word of GOD for our marriages, families and lives..Thank you for the gift of laughter, too!!..Blessings to you and yours..
Marriage is easy because you can quit or throw in the towel when things get hard, but a couple wedded and committed in the eyes of God face challenges with the knowledge that their union is eternal. Anything that’s eternal and living goes through a growing cycle, ups, downs, bountiful times and dry times.The problem with our culture today is that we want our marriage to be good all the time. But if never experienced hardships we could never deepen our love and experience a higher level of love, love that resembles God’s undying and unconditional love.
I feel the same way you do. After 6 months, we are still separated. Lately things just keep getting worst. How do we stop the madness and defenses to just get along and enjoy one another?
I don’t know what it means either to “hand it over to God”. I pray and request prayers for better things to come and for a saved marriage. Is there any hope?
I just want to encourage you all…..God will see you through…ask the Lord to give you a particular promise to believe and receive from Him…i.e. He will restore the years the cankerworm/locusts have eaten in your marriage, children, finances, and whatever you need restoration. He is a God that believes and wants restorations in your marriage and family…Keep trusting and believing and even though it may look worst …remember what we see in the natural is temporary and what we don’t see is eternal…we walk by faith…and faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen. DON’T GIVE UP NO MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE….BELIEVE AND RECEIVE FROM THE LORD THAT ALL THINGS WILL WORK OUT FOR THE GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…..I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO ALSO ASK THE LORD “HOW DO YOU TURN IT OVER TO HIM”…WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU ARE WAITING…..BUT DON’T GIVE UP NO MATTER WHAT…YOUR SEASON IS COMING FORTH…..AND REMEMBER…GOD CALLED THOSE THINGS THAT WERE NOT AS THOUGH THEY WERE…(I.E. CREATION/SHULAMITE WOMAN WITH HER SON)…..BE ENCOURAGED!!!! CALL FORTH LIFE INTO YOUR MARRIAGE/CHILDREN/FAMILY…BEGIN TO SPEAK AND SAY ONLY WHAT THE LORD SAYS ABOUT YOUR SITUATION….DECLARE LIFE IN YOUR MARRIAGE/HOME/EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE……HE WHO PROMISES IS FAITHFUL TO ESTABLISH YOUR MARRIAGE/FAMILY/HOME…..I REALLY BELIEVE GOD IS “WANTING” DOING A NEW THING IN GENERATIONS TO COME THROUGH US…MARRIAGE..CHILDREN…I BELIEVE WITH YOU ALL THE BEST IS YET TO COME…JUST LIKE JOB….HE GOT BACK DOUBLE FOR HIS TROUBLE……AND GOD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSON WHAT HE DOES FOR ONE HE WILL DO FOR US…HE IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER MORE.
This message reminded me that going through tough times does strengthen your faith. When my marriage was getting tough, I relied on the LORD and the strength of the HOLY SPIRIT to get me through. I kept at what I felt in my heart of what HE wanted me to do. When my marriage ended in divorce, I lost faith. I didn’t understand. I did everything that I felt the LORD wanted me to do. I was reminded that it takes two people. My ex-husband now realizes that he made a mistake and we are now friends. My faith is getting stronger. I thank you for your message and pray that many people will be blessed by it.
Mark,thanks for being honest about the trails of our faith. I know for almost 3 years it seems I have to fight everyday for my faith. Three years ago on a mission trip to China I felt the desire to pray and ask God the following( Father I want to really know You, the power of the Resurrection and the fellowship of your suffering that I might be conformed to your death. A month later I was awakened at 4 am to thoughts, there is no God, the Bible isn’t true and everything else that satan could throw at me. It was horrible and it still comes at me for days on in causing me much doubt and making me have questions about God. I continually go back to the Lord Jesus and confess when I am in doubt as sin and ask for His strenght to believe and to move forward in faith. I have to believe that God will become real to me once again as He has been in the past and that He can use this test and trial as a way to strengthen me even though I feel so week. I have surrendered my life completely to Christ and He is my only hope even though the enemy puts those thoughts and doubts, somedays one after another in my mind that I want make it through this. By Gods grace I will come through this and bring Glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. I must die so that He can live His life through me and that remains my prayer. Do you have any comments or God given words that will help me move forward in the battle?
Mark,
I want to say that am truly blessed by you,The day my boyfrined engaged me we watched the Laugh your way into marriage and then he proposed to me.we had a very difficult friendship>relationship>courtship sadly within 3 months of the engagement he broke it becasue of something i said out of frustration and anger.Am a strong willed woman and i find it hard to find a man who sees me as a unique kind of woman, i have never seen the word submit to mean subjugate,and unfortunately most guys i met tend to be scared of me as they see me as controlling. So you can imagine my joy to have finally found a man who though found it challenging was willing to finsih the race but then he also quit saying he could not handle me.
I embarked on prayer as i thought i must be a wicked wicked woman my esteem has gone down, i quit doing the things i loved doing…then one day God told me “nothing is impossible with me”. I have been praying for God to raise this dead lazarus and it been 7 months now and lazurus is dead dead dead and decomposing.I still love him but them i feel like am fighting using this nothing is immposible weapon but lazurus is still Dead.
When i tried talking to him he used that thing of ooh i see you are still hurting just move on…which dare i say infuriated me..
This article made me cry as God just took e back to that time he spoke and said those same word(Nothing is immpossible)
Thank you Mark for this blog and also the videos. As I read the Americans’ stories, I hear so many broken families. Here in Asia, it is less, although increasing as more couples have more choices and suffer the pressures of life and finances.
When I was growing up, my (Chinese) parents’ idea of romance is when
-husband and wife both stay up to care for a sick child
-husband does the cooking as wife bathes the kids
-going to the night market together
-driving to a remote area for “best food in town”
My father never gave flowers to my mom, nor have candle lit dinners and dance. My mother doesn’t have sexy lingerie to lure my father home. My father never gave my mother luxury cars. But till today each time we go home, mom and dad are in the kitchen cooking a nice meal for us. Their love language is providing, cooking, caring, cleaning, feeding, chiding, correcting and tolerance. Tolerating each other when we are behaving badly. I believe that’s how God loves us.
My parents are not saved yet, but I believe many of the habits of being responsible married couples are Christian living. Their mind and ideas of romance are not tainted by the American and European ways of excesses and romancing. Let’s enjoy the flowers and the beautiful mountains, but those are not substitutes of love.
Perhaps we should learn not to expect Hollywood’s or Bollywood’s versions of romance and love.
thank you , God bless you
Blessings, can you keep alive in your prayers Matt,s 2010 prayer Journal, In Jesus Christ Name Amen!Thanks
Thank you for creating a much needed candid ministry. It is a life line and has helped me to feel understood and supported for the first time.
Thanks for sharing the meat of the word, as we cannot mature as the body of Christ taking milk perpetually. The word of the Lord is indeed a double edged sword that reveals the intentions of the heart. Knowing the truth will set us free!