The correct question believers should be asking when it comes to obeying God is—is it impossible?
Would you happen to know why?
Because it’s rare. It’s a question that heaven rarely hears. But it is precisely the right question that we should be asking. The Word says in Hebrews 11:6 the following:
“… And without faith, it is impossible to please God,”
To start with, the impossible, I believe, is very stirring to the heart of God. When we approach God with faith enough to join Him in His impossible work, we say, “I trust you so much that the details don’t matter.” The challenges don’t detour me. The dangers won’t stop me. These “faith qualities” are what God is after in you and in me, too.
Here’s the rest of Hebrews 11:6
“… because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
So, start with the impossible—the most difficult, the most unlikely, and even the most ridiculous. Only be sure you’re following God’s Word and His will. God wants to reward you with each impossible step you take.
Faith is not what you can do but what you can’t do. It’s not where you can go but where you can’t go. Faith moves you towards the impossible, or it’s not faith!
How many biblical stories have you read whereby God sends his man or woman to face impossible odds?
God’s missions are not missions unless they are impossible by human standards. But you’ll never know until your faith meets your obedience to his will and purpose.
Belief in God is not only about his existence but more about your obedience to his calling on your life.
If we can not see the Father’s works, it’s because we’re too wrapped up in our own work- and yes, this can include “church work!” We may not need faith for our work, but we can only do God’s work by faith.
Christian populism and “the power of positive thinking” have diminished faith to mere “tips and techniques” or following “principles” without a relationship to the Prince of Peace.
His work often makes us risk our comfort and, sometimes, our safety. His will requires passionate courage to obey. Our work brings enslavement, sweat, and, at times, depression and boredom. Many of us are killing ourselves for a paycheck!
… Is that how you dreamt you’d live your life, running after a paycheck?
If we believe and obey God and join him in his work, we will no longer live as enslaved people but as free people.
“Wherever the Spirit of God is, there is freedom!” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Freedom to move towards adventure and risk with God is core to walking by faith with him.
As noted, the author, John Eldridge, has penned;
“Asking God, how? … Is a faithless question.”
Obeying God and following his will means God has already worked out the ” how. ” Trusting God with the unknown details and acting on his will without knowing “how” is the definition of faith.
God’s will for us must become as essential as eating food. To move in faith, we must become vitality dependent on God’s will and preplanned purpose.
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” – John 4:34
“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” – Matthew 12:50
Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” – John 14:23
Faith and obedience lead to closeness with God. Asking Him “how” all the time before you obey shows you don’t trust Him. So, stop asking faithless questions! You can’t exercise faith apart from an intimate relationship with the Father and the Son. You’ll need the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit to do the impossible!
If you try and do things apart from knowing God, you’ll be in danger of practicing lawlessness or unauthorized acts of whatever you call “righteousness.”
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ – Matthew 7:21-23
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
Find where God’s Spirit is working and go there quickly and passionately. Only there can you do the impossible and find a real and meaningful life.
Ask yourself, do I need God to accomplish this? The answer may require you to do the impossible…
“… That is your mission if you choose to accept it.”
Be brave. God’s equipped you for the impossible mission!
Call To Courage 