Facing the Impossible with God

Introduction

Christmas 1914 - World War 1 Christmas Truce Story

It is a beautiful thing when the impossible happens.

Text

Luke 1:37 ESV

37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

The Bible is peppered with the impossible becoming a reality.

When our life crosses paths with the redemptive plan of God—miracles happen.

Today we look at a young woman—engaged and preparing for her marriage. Her life would intersect with God’s rescue mission for humankind.

Luke 1:26–29 ESV

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

Point 1

What this might be.

What happens when God interrupts your life?

When the angel Gabriel spoke, Mary was confused, disturbed, and fearful.

She tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

Her initial step in facing the unexpected was discernment.

No rush to judgment.

No assumption—the truth is what is sought.

When the Angel spoke—the Angel’s introductory works where:

You (Mary) are favored by God.

God is with you (Mary).

What an affirming demonstration of God’s love and grace!

When you experience the affirmation and presence of God, it is appropriate to ask what this might be.

God may be preparing you for a purpose to fulfill.

Luke 1:30–34 ESV

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

Point 2

How will this be.

For Mary, God was calling her to something that was impossible, unimaginable, and inconceivable.

She would give birth to the Messiah—and do it miraculously.

“How will this be?” she said--”This is impossible!”

There are times when God calls you do to what seems impossible.

Abraham (to be the father of nations)

Moses (calling him to lead God’s people out of slavery).

Gideon (calling him to defeat an enemy army substantially larger).

It is natural for our initial response to wonder how God is going to accomplish this.

So how was the impossible possible?

Luke 1:35–38 ESV

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Point 3

Let it be.

Mary’s response was formed through the work of God.

The Holy Spirit would cause the supernatural work of bringing forth the CHILD (THE SON OF GOD).

Elizabeth’s pregnancy serves as a testimony that God does indeed do the impossible.

The Heavenly Principle: Nothing is impossible with God.

Mary’s response: “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Confident faith.

Faithful action.

Trust in God’s Word.

Conclusion

If you sense the favor of God and His presence, God might very well be preparing you for a purpose.

You might not know how God will accomplish His will in your life, but through the work of the Holy Spirit, the impossible becomes a reality.

Just like Mary, we need to...

…live in confidence faith.

…demonstrate that faith by action.

…trust in God’s Word.

Altar Call

The Christmas season is not about the lights and presents—it is about God’s love for you.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus is the hope you need.

Believer: Jesus is the hope you need as well.