INEVITABILITY?

I Was Just Thinking About - INEVITABILITY?

This Blog will touch upon reality. If candid and honest posts are not your forte, then read no further. What is this reality? The news that has been a medical probability for our Great Grandson has now become the medical certainty - the Doctors have done all they can for him and have not been successful. They will be sent home to await the inevitable (from man's point of view). This is not the decision we had prayed for or desired. From a human perspective, it seems unfair for a young life that has persevered through so much in his failing body.

Several years ago, Dr. V. Raymond Edman, then President of Wheaton College in Illinois, wrote a profound book with a simple and basic title - "But God." The Editorial Review contained the following: "War, hate, unrest. But God. Peace, love, serenity. Confusion, anxiety, tension. But God. Purpose, certainty, composure. The world is restless, uptight, and unwound, but God still controls, calms, assures. Into the upset and turbulent twenty-first century world, go with an explosive faith--take these calm thoughts and this silent balm for the mind and soul. Whether it's the world condition, or personal storm in your own soul, you'll find a calm inspiring answer in this golden book of devotional essays, poems, and pictures."

In recent Blogs, reference was made to the omniscience of God. Today, I would like us to focus on the omnipotence of God - there is nothing that God cannot do nor any limitation regarding when He can do it. When Jesus was discussing eternal life with the rich young ruler, He said to His disciples: "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Question: Is there anything that is an exception to that which Jesus said? Are there one or two things that may be outside the reach, authority and power of God to do? Answer: No! We should add one word to this text. Those things which are impossible for people (man) are ALWAYS possible for and with God! Do you believe that about the living God?

On a very personal basis, last Thanksgiving when I began to have difficulty with my throat, I had been medically treated for just about everything from an ear infection; sinus infection; possible strep throat; regurgitation; etc. When an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist did a Cat Scan, it was then learned that I had a Stage 4, non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Because the lymph nodes were hindering swallowing and breathing, the first treatment plan suggested was Surgery that would remove my tongue and sound box. I immediately rejected radical surgery and deferred to radiation/chemo as the only possibility. Did I have a death wish? No! Was my life expectancy greatly impacted with that decision? Yes! On what basis was that decision reached? Simply, it is the "But God" factor. This is what I will continue to claim for our Great Grandson! This is what I pray for myself - that the things impossible with man are always possible with God!

When Annie Johnson Flint wrote her Poem, He Giveth More Grace, little did she know that some words she wrote would be a challenge, encouragement and confidence for me. Some of those words are: "To added afflictions, He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace…When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done…His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men…" This is God's care, concern and omnipotence (unlimited in all things). Is this the God you love, serve and trust?

When Jesus' disciples asked Him why they were unable to drive out demons, Jesus said to them (Matthew 17:20), "Because you have so little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain: Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Have you ever looked for one mustard seed? Do you have at least that much faith and confidence in your God? Is your hope based upon the foundation of "But God"? Is the Living God your inevitability?

Prayerfully - consider these things with me.