Impossible Missions Becomes Possible

Life can be tough even on a good day. Struggles and problems seem to bombard our lives bringing chaos into the midst of what should normally be times of peace and tranquility. Much too often it seems like you just pick yourself up from one problem only to find yourself facing yet another difficulty.

Moses had just come down off of the mountain. He had spent forty days basking in the presence of God only to discover that the people God had sent him to deliver from Egyptian bondage had already slipped back into their old ways. I’m sure he was overwhelmed by the entire situation. But in the midst of the mess, Moses remained focused upon God.

God appeared to Moses and told him: “Go, leave here, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land I promised” (Exodus 33:1 HCSB). But Moses recognized his inabilities and responded: “Look, You have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.’ Now if I have indeed found favor in Your sight, please teach me Your ways, and I will know You and find favor in Your sight. Now consider that this nation is Your people” (vv. 12-13).

Moses knew he could never carry out such a task in his own power and strength. He acknowledged his need for a higher power that would enable him to be able to function in the way such a task mandated. To this, God promised: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest (v. 14).

Imagine for a moment the monumental task of leading over a million rebellious people on a journey through the wilderness. Imagine the planning and preparation needed to fulfill such a role. Imagine the problems and struggles that Moses would encounter along the way. Moses recognized it was beyond his own capabilities to fulfill such a mission. Without the help of God, he knew the mission was simply impossible.

Impossible missions are made possible through the presence of Almighty God. When God shows up, we have no need to fear or worry, we only need to sit back and watch in amazement as He carries out His marvelous works.

The Israelites had witnessed the power of God at the Red Sea. The Egyptian military was bearing down on them. They had nowhere to run. Doom was all they could see. But Moses looked beyond the difficulty and saw the answer. He raised his arms to heaven and told the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation He will provide for you today…The Lord will fight for you” (Exodus 14:13-14). And that they did!

King David found himself in the darkest moment of his life. He had committed numerous sins and was rapidly slipping into total despair. God sent Nathan the prophet to reveal his sin and God’s knowledge of it. In what is perhaps the most epic prayer of forgiveness, David cried out to God: “Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11).

The fear of being banished from God’s presence and lacking the power of the Spirit was at the forefront of David’s mind at the moment. Above all other things, David understood life for him would be impossible without God’s presence and power. That should speak volumes to you and I.

As Jesus was preparing to return to heaven, He was sharing with His disciples some last minute instructions. He told them: “Look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Jesus understood the struggles, problems, and difficulties that each of us would encounter. He knew we would be unable to overcome them in our own power. He recognized that carrying out His mission would only be made possible by the presence of God in our lives at all times.

Thus, He sent the Holy Spirit to empower and to enable us in all things. Moses knew he couldn’t carry out the task before him without the presence of God. David feared being without the Spirit of God. You and I must realize that we are incapable of carrying out the task before us without the presence of God.

Seek the presence of the Spirit to dwell within you, to guide you and to help you through life—not only in those difficult times when you seem to be sinking in life’s problems but even in the good times you need the presence of God’s Spirit—always.

Scripture Reading: Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.” As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures. (Psalm 16 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to understand the importance of Your Spirit in my life. Help me to recognize I am nothing without You. Help me to trust in You in all things—to have confidence in Your abilities rather than my own. As I go through my daily walk, I pray that You would guide and direct me. I pray that You would have Your way—that I would set aside my thoughts and trust in Yours. I love You and thank You for always caring for me…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!