Over the years, I have selected different ways to personally challenge myself and the church at the beginning of a New Year. Let me share with you some of those examples, and perhaps one of these challenges may be something you want to consider in 2022? I have used a bible reading plan, embraced a time of fasting from a particular food or followed the guidelines of a Daniel fast. One year we started out with a 31 day prayer challenge, and we have also selected one word to be a reminder as we go throughout the year. All of these are significant memories for me. As I look back at those experiences, each one provided a sort of milestone in my life proved to be very useful. It is important for the continued development of our faith to have something in place that will daily remind us of our spiritual journey and also strengthen us as we grow in “Full Devotion to Christ.”
There is no denying the previous two years have been like nothing else we have ever experienced. Our lives have been turned upside down in many ways. There have been many disruptions and departures from what we may perceive as “normal.” We all have experienced significant change of one kind or another and much of the change we have encountered has not been easy. Life is vastly different than it was at the beginning of 2020. The church is significantly different than it was at the beginning of 2020 or even 2021. We have had fewer families attending, fewer people engaging in our weekly ministries and fewer opportunities to perhaps reach new people because of the ramifications of the pandemic. At times it seems as if things will never improve and it almost seems impossible, but I know we have a God who makes the impossible possible.
Our theme for the coming year is “With God, All Things Are Possible” and it is rooted in the scripture found in Matthew 19:26, “ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Most likely you have seen this phrase etched in a painting hanging on the wall of a house, sewn into the fabric of a pillow, or written across an athletes shoes during competition. What is the meaning of this promise?
This promise certainly speaks of the omnipotence or all-powerful ability of our God. I absolutely believe He can do anything because he is “so strong and so mighty” as the childhood song reminds me. This is a theme repeated throughout scripture. However, this phrase should not be reduced to some kind of good luck charm or idea that I can accomplishing anything I decide to do in the name of God Almighty. God is certainly not some kind of magic Genie that makes all of our wishes come true. To begin with, we need to ensure that our will is in line with what God’s will is for our lives. If you recall it was Jesus himself who prayed as he was headed to the cross, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42
Within in the context of the original passage found in Matthew the phrase “With God, all things are possible” is in reference to the provision of Salvation. It is impossible for humankind to achieve salvation on our own merit. We can’t earn it, buy it or steal it! It is only by the possible grace of God that anyone of us can be saved. Only God himself can be the provider of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore since all things are possible with God, it requires our submission to His sovereign plan for our lives. Every day you and I must place our trust in God the father to do what only He can do and often He can and will do what only yesterday seemed impossible.
My call to action for the beginning of 2022 is to invite you to pray the following prayer with me and with one another every day for the entire year. We have much to accomplish as we follow God’s leading. God has new people for us to reach with the Gospel of Christ. God has new ministries, new opportunities for us to walk in obedience as we “Grow in Full Devotion.” I for one am excited to see what “New Birth” possibilities our in store for God’s church in the year ahead. I am anticipating growth in His church both in numbers and spirituality and it does require faithfulness and commitment. Won’t you join us as we pray for God to do the impossible?
A Prayer for God to Do the Impossible
Lord, you are faithful all the time. Your promises endure forever, and there is no limit to what you can do. In your hands all things are possible. You are the one who conquered death and made a place for us in heaven. May we never cease to sing your praises as you prove your faithfulness time and time again. In Christ name we pray, Amen!
You will see this prayer in our literature, in our social media, and I will be reminding you of it throughout the year. What happens if you miss a day? It is perfectly okay, just engage in the prayer the next day. Let’s take the journey together and see what God does in your life and in the life of the church. Let’s get ready to see God do the impossible because, “With God, all things are possible!” Amen
Have a Happy New Year and let’s join together in this prayer,
Pastor Kevin
