All Things Are Possible with God

“Those who heard this asked, ‘Who then, can be saved?’

Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’

Peter said to him, ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’

‘Truly, I tell you,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’” (Luke 18:26-30 NIV)

I never noticed how these verses of Scripture about possibility are in the story about the rich man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, even though I am quite sure I have read the story many times. I guess I just never took it in. I used to think about this verse with miracles in mind, specifically, Jesus healing people. But right before he says it, Jesus is talking about how it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Yikes.

Since a camel could not possibly get through the eye of a needle, we know that being rich must present a heavy burden for people, one they probably don’t even recognize is a burden. Having money is supposed to make life easier, right?

While Jesus was talking about wealth previous to this verse, it really got me thinking about all the other things we hold onto so tightly: our desire for independence, to have control over our lives, to have what we (think) we want, maybe even our family or children. The rich man was holding onto his wealth and probably the status that wealth gave him, as well as the material things he was able to have because of it. He was holding on to the American dream, of a sort.

I feel sort of vulnerable and immature as I type this, but I understand where the rich man is coming from when he walks away sad. I live in America, I’m part of the middle class, and I know that in this bracket, I am richer than so many people in the world. I know that I have above and beyond what we actually need for survival. When I compare my life to the lives of people around the world, I know we live in bountiful comfort. Yet, when I visit a house that is an upgrade or two from mine, or when I ride in someone’s brand-new car, jealousy or envy rises in me. I want what they have.

This desire for more is what keeps me from Jesus and the abundant life he promises. If I know anything about Jesus, I know his definition of abundance has nothing to do with material wealth or having what we want or think we deserve. I have to actually remind myself that what I have is more than enough, despite having already reminded myself of that many times over. Thankfully, through prayer, Jesus stems that rise of jealousy, it dissipates, and I am drawn back into covenant relationship with him.

This Scripture about God making things possible feels more like it is about things of the heart than anything else. It seems like it is about new life, in the spiritual sense. Jesus is telling us we need to let go of the things that we white-knuckle. True life comes when we replace those things with following him, which is something we will never regret.

What might Jesus be asking you to give up today in order to let all things be possible with God?

Lord, Let us not walk away from you sad. Give us eyes to see that which we need to release from our grip in order that we may hold onto you. Give us the courage to take even a small taste of what letting something go and replacing it with you will feel like, so that our faith may grow and we may let go all the more. Remind us that this looks different for all of us and we need to give ourselves grace in the letting go. Send us people who will help us see the truth and walk your path. Amen

 Scripture for Reflection

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 NIV, emphasis mine)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV)

“Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.” (Proverbs 28:14 NIV)

Reach for More

I think we already know what we hold onto. Our selfishness and pride tighten the grip, but we don’t really have peace about these things, even if we tell ourselves we do or that it’s okay to hang on so hard. Are you on the fence about following Jesus (aka, being a Christian) because it might mean big changes in your heart and lifestyle? Give it up, because God is already after you, and you will like the person you see in the mirror a lot more if you let go. I promise. You won’t regret it.

Sometimes Christians use the phrase, “working out our salvation,” which means that we are putting our faith into practice and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead and change our hearts to make them more Christlike. Part of this is letting go of all the pride and selfish things we hold onto. Often, we know what these things are, but we hold on anyway because they give us status or enjoyment or comfort. We have to figure out if these things are keeping us from having deep, intimate relationship with God because if they are, we need to let them go or we are like the camel trying to get through the eye of the needle. If you see something you need to let go of, write it down and place that paper somewhere you will see it. Pray that the Holy Spirit will provide a way for you to completely follow Jesus and let go of what’s keeping you from him.

Carla Clemens enjoys a crazy, beautiful life with her military husband, four sons, and a daughter. A baby interrupts her homeschool days in the best ways, and she is always attempting to live with mindfulness of each moment. She hopes to look at the world and each person in it in light of our amazing Creator, and therefore, to see each moment presented as an opportunity to love and serve him more. Carla relishes time to ponder God’s Word and have quiet moments with him and her coffee. She loves doing life with other mamas and encouraging them to simply be who God has made them to be.

Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay