Power to Overcome:
The Impossible – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Mark 10:21-26

Key Verse: Mark 10:27

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Today’s scripture describes a conversation Jesus had with a rich man.  He was a good man who had known and kept the Ten Commandments, as taught to him by his Jewish upbringing.  He let Jesus know that he had been very careful to keep all the rules and was hoping that “rule keeping” would get him into the kingdom of heaven.

            Jesus had to challenge him beyond his rule keeping ability because God looks upon a man’s heart.  Jesus could see that the man loved money more than anything else.  God wanted more than this man’s outward compliance to rules; He wanted his heart!  Jesus looked at him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; and come, follow me.”  I think we can understand this man’s reaction; his countenance fell and he left Jesus for his money.  He felt bad about it; he left sorrowful but the fact remained he loved his money more than the kingdom of God.

            Out of this conversation, Jesus makes a profound statement.  Nothing is impossible for God, even turning a rich man into a fully devoted follower of Christ.  This man, had he made the right decisions, would have discovered the powerful resources available to him by his Father in heaven.  Remember, making good decisions is our part.  Having them all work out for good is God’s part!

Father, help me to live in a way that proves that nothing is impossible for you!  Grant me a strong faith and your courage!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.