Anything Is Possible

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

During my growing up years, one of the most popular and fun things to do on a hot summer evening was to catch lightning bugs. We would get a Mason Jar, punch holes in the lid, and set out to see how many of the critters we could catch. They are easy to spot because they light up like a stars in a dark sky.

Lightning bugs are curious insects and are part of the beetle family. They don’t bite, don’t attack, don’t carry diseases, they aren’t poisonous, and they don’t even fly very fast. They talk to each other through their light, they don’t have a long lifespan, their eggs glow, and they live on almost every continent. If they don’t really do anything, then I wonder why God made them?

There is always a purpose for one of God’s creatures even if it is to give kids a wonder to put in a jar! I think he also uses them to illustrate the wonder of His power. In the words of one of Charles Martin’s characters, Unc, “If God can make a lightning bug’s rear end light up like a star, then almost anything is possible.” I love that explanation because it illustrates the point that nothing is impossible for and with God. Nothing is impossible within the providence of God.

When we are facing problems, situations, illness, or death, it’s comforting to know that with God at our side we never face them alone. The key here is to watch for the strength and protection He sends and provides. If we fail to receive it, it’s usually because we aren’t watching the horizon for evidence of its approach and aren’t ready to open our hearts up so it may enter. There is an old saying, “Unless you put the water jars out when it rains, you will never collect any water.” So, unless you grab a jar and head out to catch lightning bugs, you probably will never collect any.

When God shows us a new path or opens a door, we are supposed to take it or walk through it. We can’t stand around asking “why” or “should I”? Give God the gift of a willing heart and mobility, and He will always guide us to where we need to be and what is needed.

Even the doors that don’t open, the opportunity we don’t get, or the call that never came can be as much God’s leading as those that did. What God prevents is as much divine guidance as what He permits.

If we know we can’t stay where we are right now, it may very well be the starting point for God’s leading in our lives. We need to take the stirring or restlessness in our soul and just ask, “Where are you leading me, God?” Anything is possible.