Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Persuasion (not about the book) (09/01/11)
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TITLE: Is There Anything Too Hard for God? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Phyllis Stokes
09/07/11 -
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Circumstances have a way of commanding our undivided attention; of being the loudest, most persistent voice in the midst of trouble—a sick loved one, a wayward child, a lost opportunity, increased responsibilities or a sudden, seemingly hopeless occurrence. It’s the infamous struggle of what ifs.
The thoughts of what could, would, or should happen project repeatedly, without commercial interruption, across the big screen of the mind. Even after sleepless nights tossing and turning into the wee hours, the unrestrained mind is relentless in its attempt to make everything fit into a neat little package, making sense of it all.
The apostle Paul, in Romans 8:5 calls this the mind of the flesh. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh ….” This way of reasoning is our enemy and the enemy of all that is good. It leads only to death.
In times of trouble, we have to decide early what we believe about the situation. It’s a matter of choosing which voice gets the attention; the voice of circumstances, the voice of reason, or the voice of truth. Once we have settled the issue of what we believe, that belief will dictate our responses and ultimately the outcome.
Take another look at Romans 8. Paul doesn’t just present the problem; the solution follows in verse 6, “…but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
At one hundred years old, Abraham and his ninety- year old wife, Sarah were long past child-bearing years. Yet, God promised them a son. Can’t you just see Abraham’s head going tilt? Sarah laughed at the very thought of it.
As much as Abraham couldn’t understand how such a thing could be possible, he had learned from past mistakes not to take matters into his own hand. It was decision time. He could either consider the pros and cons, along with all the possibilities and improbabilities of circumstances, or crawl into the arms of God and trust Him to be bigger than the odds. To his credit, Abraham chose the latter. He chose to look away from his frail deteriorating frame and Sarah’s lifeless womb and all that he could see with his natural eye. Turning instead, his full attention to the promise, he dug his withered aged heel in the ground, hoped against hope and believed that God was well able to do what He said.
Armed with an unwavering faith, Abraham was able to silence the voice of reason, placing all hope in God, who gives life to the dead. His reward? Abraham not only fathered a son with Sarah, but became the father of many nations –and to all who simply believe.
All scripture is from New King James Version.
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