I was reading in Genesis a few days ago and came across Genesis 18:13-14. The synopsis is: in verse 13 Abraham and Sarah are trying to have a child, and Sarah is doubting that God can make it happen because of her old age. Verse 14 then begins with, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?”
I’ve repeated this question to myself over and over lately.
“Is anything too hard for the LORD?”
The obvious answer is no. But how many times throughout our days do we doubt the Lord? We go through days using our own strength, growing tired, not even giving God a chance to prove himself, and then ask God why it’s so hard. I know I do this, and let me tell you, being on the Race reveals how weak I am REAL QUICK. That is, how weak I am without the LORD.
Last month, we entered China with no place to stay. Our hotel had fallen through and we wandered around Beijing with our huge packs for about 13 hours. We were exhausted, hungry, hot, and grumpy. BOY were we grumpy! We finally found an underground church, and one of the members offered us an apartment for a few nights. After a few nights, we were asked to leave because housing unregistered foreigners is illegal in China, and apparently houses around that area were being raided unexpectedly. So we searched and searched for another place to stay, getting rejected by everywhere because accepting foreigners is so risky right now. We didn’t know where to go. We didn’t know what to do. We just knew God would provide. He would open doors. Finally, we found an incredible hostel RIGHT NEXT to the Great Wall of China. Like…we could see it from our front porch.
Is anything too hard for the LORD?!
Currently, we’re working with a host in Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, we were told never to mention to the locals that we’re here for ministry or that we’re Christians. One of the opportunities that we have had is serving in a soup kitchen three times a week. While we’re in the soup kitchen, we have one person inside translating for us, while another person stands outside and watches for the police. UM WHAT?! If caught, both the host and the team could potentially be deported. The host mentioned that he keeps his US Visa on him at all times in case he has to leave in a hurry. These incredible people risk their livelihood and comfort every day to serve the Lord.
So again I ask, is anything too hard for the LORD?
We’ve also gotten to spend time in a men’s rehabilitation shelter. I mentioned to the men that they are always so joyful, and spending time with them brings me so much joy. One of them responded with, “We are joyful because God has provided. He has healed our hearts.” These are men who, for most of their lives, have been alcoholics, drug addicts, or both. God has freed them from their addictions and brought them into a place of healing and growing. One man shared his story, and…WOW!
I’ll give an overview: Him and his wife were wandering home one night after drinking, and his wife never made it home. She had passed out in the snow and froze to death. This man blamed himself for a long time. BUT GET THIS! He just celebrated one whole year of sobriety and life with Jesus. He is now finished with the rehabilitation program, and will be serving at the shelter to help others find God in their journey to sobriety. AAHHH REDEMPTION!!!
Seriously…Is anything too hard for the LORD?
We are now in the midst of wrapping up this month and transitioning into another Ask The Lord month in another closed country. I AM PUMPED!!! (updates on that coming sooooon).
I want to leave you with a challenge.
Ask the LORD if there is anything in your life that you believe is too hard for Him, and give it to the LORD. Let Him prove Himself to you.
