Impossible Things
“More often than not a human creature seemed cast for the role that suited him least. There was a purpose here, perhaps. To swim with the stream was easy; it was swimming against it that increased one’s strength.” – Elizabeth Goudge, The Bird in the Tree
What is that thing you said you’d never do because you thought you couldn’t?
Maybe it’s running a marathon, going on a mission trip, or fostering children in need. The possibilities are endless, and chances are we have all said such about multiple things.
The Impossible Thing I Felt Called to Do.
One of the things I once felt least suited for was homeschooling.
As a young bride I had friends who homeschooled their children, and while I truly admired these families, I thought there was NO WAY I’d ever pursue the same path.
Why did I see this as my Impossible Things?
There were many reasons, but here were a few:
I was not patient enough.
I struggled in school so I’d never be able to teach.
God’s called me to ministry work, it would be selfish to stay home. (This one makes me cringe!)
Did I sound like a person fit for the role of a homeschool mother? Absolutely not.
And yet… God called me.
Through different studies and books I came across my eyes were opened to the duty God had given me to love, nurture, and cultivate goodness and beauty for my family. For the first time I realized the ministry God had laid right before me in my own home. My heart began to soften to the concept of homeschooling. As I processed my new convictions with my husband he was on board with me from the get-go, which was another sure sign.
Even though I didn’t feel qualified, I felt equipped through the Spirit.
It’s an indescribable feeling. And in these last few years of embracing being home with my children everyday, I’ve grown.
Growing is an interesting experience. At the forefront it seems adventurous, but in the doing of the growing there is often great discomfort. In the end though, we are strengthened through it.
God calls us toward growth.
It is encouraging to look through scripture at the the ways God grew strength in his people. I love the account of Peter walking out on the water to Christ.
Let’s take a look at Matthew 14:25-33:
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Peter was definitely not qualified to walk on water, no human is, yet Christ call to him, “Come.”
Peter does and his flesh fails him, but it is in this moment of weakness that his faith is made stronger. No longer does Peter wonder, but he knows. “Lord, save me,” he cries. They board the boat and the disciples worship Jesus, declaring that he is indeed the son of God.
Michael Card, in his commentary on Matthew writes:
” The miracle? The ‘if’ of verse 28 has disappeared completely. The deeper truth of this story is that often sinking is more important than walking, more life-changing, more transformational.”
Ah, yes. There it is, the pain in the growing.
God calls us out of comfort zone into the realm where we have no other option but to depend on him and experience his faithfulness.
My children are young, and we are only just beginning the homeschooling journey but already I have faced overwhelming doubt and frustration. It is in these times that I am brought to my knees, and I have seen Him deliver!
When we fix our eyes on Him, nothing in accordance with His will is impossible. With God impossible things do not exist.
The Invitation to Follow God’s Calling with What Seems Impossible
This post is not intended to be an invitation to homeschooling, because every person’s walk is different. My invitation for you is to consider doing the impossible.
God radically transformed me from a women who viewed family as a hindrance to the “important work” to one who now embraces this season with purpose and vision. I am living a lifestyle I never dreamed possible for my personality.
God has done redemptive work on my heart!
So often we claim, “That’s not just not for me” because we are depending only on ourselves. The truth is on our own we just aren’t enough.
Are we willing to risk our own dependence and walk out on the water?
2 Timothy 1:7 says:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”
What impossible thing might the Lord be calling you to do?
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior”
Prayer Over Our Hearts
Father God, Thank you for equipping us for your good work through the Holy Spirit. Help us to hear your call and not be afraid to come. Strengthen us in our times of weakness and doubt as we look to you. In the name of Jesus, Amen