Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 11, 2018
By Tripp Prince
Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts? Zechariah 8:6 (NRSV)
The New Year always brings with it a renewed sense of ambition and motivation. It feels like a fresh start, a blank slate. We often set goals and challenge ourselves to take ground in new and uncharted areas. Whether it’s a goal of improved fitness, kicking a bad habit, healing a relational wound, or pursuing a new business adventure, we all have something we’d like to achieve. Yet whatever the goal may be, usually we choose them because they feel achievable. They seem to be within our grasp, within our power to control and achieve. And while this is good and helpful, what about the goals in life that we desperately desire yet can never achieve on our own?
The people of Israel deeply desired an impossible dream. They found themselves exiled in Babylon and longing for home, yet entirely helpless to do anything about their situation. Into the bleakness of this moment, Zechariah speaks words of hope and healing: what is surely impossible in your own strength is never impossible for the Lord.
Are there dreams that you’ve never dreamed because they seemed too far-fetched and impossible? Is there a healing of past wounds that you desire more than anything in the world, yet the wound has always felt too deep and wide, like a chasm that can never be crossed? Is there something that you want to do for God’s Kingdom that seems to combine your unique gifts and the particular needs of your community, yet you think, “surely it’s more than I can handle.”
To follow Jesus is to believe in impossible goals. It is a posture of humble dependence upon the Lord, acknowledging our own weaknesses and limitations yet daily celebrating his infinite strength and power. There are dreams that God has for his creation that he longs to bring into being, and he delights in inviting us to join him in that holy work.
God wants to accomplish wonderful things in you and through you. Allow yourself to dream big dreams with God this New Year, trusting and believing that he is able to bring them to life!
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26).
Prayer
Father, thank you that with you nothing is impossible. Help me to rest in that truth and give me the courage to join you in adventurous and exciting ways. Amen.Application
Are there God-given dreams and desires that you’ve laid aside that he’s asking you to pick back up?Related Reading
Jeremiah 32:17; Romans 8:31; Philippians 4:13Post/Tweet today
To follow Jesus is to believe in impossible goals. #impossiblegoals #wisdomhuntersWorship Resource
6-minute music video- Kelly Heiligenthal: Ever Be If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help. Our free Apple app Our free Android app
