Too strong to lose: Too capable not to deliver

23.DEC.10

by Bishop Sonny E. Williams
Presiding Bishop, Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies St. Vincent and the Grenadines District

This year, for many, has been a year of battle. Some of us have had to struggle with our greatest challenge. We are, however, extremely grateful to God for allowing us, amidst the difficulties, to enter this festive season of love, joy and hope.{{more}}

For those going through these situations, the angel Gabriel’s response to Mary’s inquiry in the Christmas story can be to you both instructive and inspirational. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37), the angel announces two humanly impossible situations (Luke 1:26-38). The virgin named Mary was going to conceive and give birth to a son without the natural aid of a man. Her cousin, Elizabeth who was defined as barren, now in her old age, having passed her child bearing years, was also going to conceive and bear a son. She was incapable of bearing children even during her prime child-bearing years.

These words, “Nothing is impossible with God” is reminiscent of the words of another angel as recorded in the Book of Genesis. Abraham and Sarah are still childless even after twenty four years of receiving a promise of a son. When Abraham was ninety nine years old, God sent an angel to remind them of the promise. This was laughable for Sarah but the angel assured her with the pointed question: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen 18:14). God delivered on His promise though it took twenty five years.

How big is your God? Are you facing immense pressure and tempted to give in. Are your feeling abandoned, suffered loss, struggling with hopelessness or wrestling with the fear of facing the future? No matter what you face today, “Nothing is impossible with God”.

When our hands are tied it doesn’t mean God’s hands are. When our time frames are expired it doesn’t mean that God’s time has expired. He is always the On-Time-God. He is the God who took absolutely nothing and made everything. The writer of the Book of Hebrews says: “The worlds were framed by the word of God” (Hebrews 11:3). The limits of humanity do not put a limit on God. Just because you cannot figure it out does not mean that God does have the ability to resolve your problems.

Mary couldn’t conceive without knowing a man. Elizabeth couldn’t conceive a child because she was barren in her life span and had now passed the flower of her age. With them it would have been impossible, but with God nothing is impossible. Their inability is now blended with the supernatural ability of God. Our inability is always superseded by God’s ability.

Oscar Eliason challenges us in his songs:
“Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible.”

Our omnipotent God cannot lose a battle and cannot go back on his promises. That is why Paul erupted: “Nay, in all these things we are more than a conqueror through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37)

“With God nothing is impossible” to this, may we be like Mary and surrender out trust to God as in her words: “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

The honour is mine again on behalf of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies, St. Vincent and the Grenadines District to wish you all a Blessed Christmas and a prosperous 2011.