When Things Seem Impossible

I have been unpacking things at the new house and came across the journal I kept last summer during my internship. It’s hard to read the thoughts I had on my marriage a year ago. So little has changed. How can I keep going when things seem impossible?

It would be easy to write all the challenges and problems. I could list off all the things that irritate or are unfair. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t already done that. But, I find that focusing on the problem doesn’t help.

Focus on God When Things are Impossible

To be honest, it’s been a rough 48 hours. But, when I’m looking at what I don’t have, I’m not looking at what I do have. So, what works best for me is to focus on God when things are impossible. He is unchanging, no matter the situation.

I saw an interview with CeCe Winans this past weekend. At one point she remarked, “We only doubt God when we forget what he has already done.” I have found this to be true, for me.

God has brought me through so much pain over the past three years in this relationship. It is difficult to flip through the pages and see so many bad days. Scrolling through our chat conversations seems to be one big fight after another.

To stand here today, after all that and still feel like I’m passing through the waters… it’s all too easy to slip into self-pity. But, on almost every page in my journal, I see a verse that spoke to me. I see the strength and hope that He gave. I see His faithfulness on display.

Remember the Things God Has Done

In Exodus 13, Moses instructs the Israelites to make a tradition to remember the things God has done. At many places in His word, God reminds us of his past actions. You see, God understands the power our memory holds influence our present and to shape our future.

God knows that we will face challenging circumstances. But, when we focus on His past achievements, it is easier to stand firm in the present.

Looking back, I can see the way that his protection, blessing, healing, guidance, and intervention have shifted the course of my life. He has been faithful to me, even in my unfaithfulness. He has redeemed me from the pit. With that in mind, there’s really only one question.

What are you doing to commemorate the things God has done for you? I wonder how many of us celebrate our birth more than our salvation. I’ve certainly been guilty of that. Looks like I need to make some new traditions to pass on to my kids.

Prayer for Today

My prayer for today is that I would focus less on the anxiety of what I don’t have or what I worry about in the future. I need to be focused more on the way God has come through for me in the past, and the constancy of his nature in the present.

I am resolved to make and start keeping a list of the dates that God has showed up in my life, and to begin celebrating these days with my kids. That they would grow up knowing they serve a God who does the impossible.

Verses on Overcoming the Impossible

“Then Moses said to the people, ‘Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place.’” Exodus 13:3 (ESV)

“But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’” Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV)

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

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (ESV)