NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD

The SEABEE Memorial at Arlington, VA has a number of large panels depicting the many missions that SEABEES have undertaken around the world, in war and peace since 1942. At the focal point of the back panels is a large sculpture depicting a bare-chested, muscular SEABEE, rifle slung over one shoulder, offering a helping hand to a small child. The panels and sculptured figures together perfectly symbolize the nature of U. S. Navy SEABEES as Builders Who Fight, and who also extend humanitarian aid wherever and whenever needed. Inscriptions in golden letters proudly proclaim in words the messages which the panels and figures convey visually. On the base which supports the SEABEE and child sculpture is inscribed: “With compassion for others, we build, we fight for peace with freedom.” Above the panels “SEABEES CAN DO”, and below the panels is “With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once. The impossible takes a bit longer!”

Gabriel’s announcement to Mary is “for nothing will be impossible for God.” (Lk 1:37) Ages ago  “The LORD” had said in a similar announcement to Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen 18:14) The angel refers to the comparable case of Elisabeth as proof to Mary that miraculous birth is an event that may now occur. The birth of an immortal being into existence is the greatest of natural events. The birth of an immortal being, without a human father, by divine interposition, is one of the greatest of miracles. The birth of a human being from a true divine paternity, placing a God-man upon earth, is pre-eminently THE miracle of which all other miracles are but the subordinates and attendants.

G. M. Trevelyan, a British historian and academic, is quoted as saying, “Never tell a young person that anything cannot be done. God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing.”

What are the things or situations in our lives that we feel are impossible to resolve? The challenge for us as humans is we often say the words, “God I’m giving so and so up to your providence,” yet we insist on intervening in ways that become a self-fulfilling prophesy of impossibility.

Norman Vincent Peale an American minister and author known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking said, “A positive mental attitude is a belief that things are going to turn out well, and that you can overcome any kind of trouble or difficulty.” Jesus said, “With God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26). This is far more than the power of positive thinking. It is the power of God that makes what seems impossible possible. “Nothing is impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).