Sunday, October 19, 2008

Impossible?

(This is the devotion I wrote for our church's women's ministry this week)

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." - Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)

Fret, fret, fret.
Worry, worry, worry.

This week can be measured not in days, but in time spent worrying. I can't count how many times I've said the words, "It's impossible."

My "impossible" this week had to do with more hurdles in what has felt like a never-ending adoption process we began two years ago. I have to figure out a way over this new hurdle before an immigration deadline expires in two weeks, and in my eyes it is impossible.

As I've prayed over the problem, God has been gracious to gently remind me who is in control. He reminded me of my last two devotions where I wrote these things:

-He is trustWORTHY
-Don't be afraid to pray the prayer that never fails, "Thy will be done"
-Remember where our help comes from

Then He asked me to let go and rest in Him.

It was midnight last night when I finally surrendered and applied these truths to this situation. I still didn't know how this hurdle was going to be overcome (I still don't) but worry was replaced with the "peace beyond understanding" that comes from trust.

I was ready to go to sleep anxiety-free, but I wanted to check on one of my favorite blogs before I went to bed. As her blog loaded on my computer screen, tears popped into my eyes. I couldn't believe what she had written for her latest blog post. This is all it said:

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."
-J. Hudson Taylor of China Inland Missions

Personal Application:

What about you? Do you have your own "impossible" to overcome this week? Run to the throne and lay it at His feet. Be persistent in your prayers over this issue. Find a prayer partner to pray with you about it and to hold you accountable as you let go of worry.

More of God's Word:

1. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

2. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

3. For nothing is impossible with God. - Luke 1:37 (NIV)

Love,

10 comments:

Michelle said...

Becky,

I needed that reminder today. Oh how I have been struggling the last couple of days with a few things, one of them being our adoption. I will pray for you as you begin your journey again. Blessings, Michelle

Jamie said...

Thank you. I feel every day like to get through the day homeschooling my children is impossible...I needed this reminder! I can't wait to see where God takes you now on the adoption path...dh says we're through w/adoption but hopefully down the road God will open his heart to it again.

zandyk said...

We will be praying for you!

Shiloh said...

I do have an "Impossible" thing! I want more kids so bad at times my heart just aches. I don't know if God wants to give us more biological children or if our next child will be through adoption? All I know is that I keep seeing birthdays come and go and I don't want to be 90 and having my second child! I was just praying about this with Phil after church and I didn't know how much emotion I was bottling up about it!
Thank you for your tender heart...I needed that word from God.
Thank you!

Sherrylinn said...

I can't thank you enough for this entry. I've been going back and forth with worry since this past friday. (10/17/2008) I will not know the outcome of my storm until tuesday am, but I keep reminding myself that God is on the Throne, and His will is going to prevail!

Sherry

Becky Avella said...

I just wanted you all to know that I'm praying for each of you.

Michelle- your adoption process has been so long. I pray you will cross the finish line soon and that God will carry you while you wait.

Jamie- I'm so tired right now with lack of sleep. I don't know how you are homeschooling right now with your new baby. You're amazing! I'm praying God will give you strength to keep up with life.

Zandra- Thank you for your prayers! They mean so much to me. Actually, God has already answered them. I can't wait to do a follow up post to this and write about how He took care of everything for me already. : )

Shiloh- My heart aches with you. I can't wait to see how God is going to grow your family. I pray He will do "exceedingly abundantly more" than you can even ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)

Becky Avella said...

And Sherry, I'm praying God will give you the best possible outcome on Tuesday morning.

Love,
Becky

strandfam said...

Becky, You and your family will be in my prayers. It is a priveledge to pray for you, and I look forward to seeing how God is going to answer. Thank you for the example you are to me.
much love to you!
Sarah
" I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." Isaiah 45:3

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait on Him." Lamentations 3:22

andreagw said...

Becky, You are the best! I totally needed you post today. We are struggling with Alexs drs and therapists and seem to be getting bad news left and right. I was feeling very overwhelmed!
More pictures please!! :) How are you doing?

Jeremy and Kamina Johnson said...

I love that quote!!!

"I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."
-J. Hudson Taylor of China Inland Missions