Friday, May 15, 2009

impossible...

An elderly man once asked me, Why do you try to do great things for God? I was taken back by the question and immediately wanted to give a superficial, uber-spiritual response. Before I could respond, a huge smile came across his face as he put his hand on my shoulder and said, Why do great things for God when we are called to do IMPOSSIBLE things through God? I was silenced by his words and dumb-founded by the simplicity of the statement.

Oprah does great things. Bill Gates does great things. Brangelina does great things. But as children of God we are called to do IMPOSSIBLE things.

I was reading my bible this morning and systematically came to the battle between David and Goliath (I love this Rocky-esque battle and feel motivated everytime I read it!). There was a note in the margin in small, pink writing with the year 2008 as the header. It read: Bri's surgery today. Brianna is one of my closest friends and I've known her longer than I haven't known her. She is an amazing athlete who, like Paul the Apostle urges, runs the race in such a way to obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). That was until she stumbled over a few bumps.

While at her father Courtney's funeral our senior year of college, I metaphysically took a vow to be her father by proxy. Everywhere I go a piece of Courtney will be with me as I have and will continue to support her. From Freshman year at LMHS when she shattered the school record... at try-outs... muscles cold and unstreched... in old spikes; to CIF finals senior year of high school; to watching her set a new NCAA collegiate record; to at Mt. Sac relays running against Marion Jones; to in Eugene, Oregon screaming for her at National Trials. I've been there through the sprained ankles, pulled hamstrings, dislocated shoulders, and the occasional nasty breakup with undeserving boys.

But then Knee happened. Knee decided for all of us what dreams were going to be put on hold, if not taken away completely. Knee decided what we could cheer for or cry about. Knee decided what she could do and what she hoped to do. A year ago this week I was on a plane to Tucson, Arizona to tend to her and the surgery which would determine her fate. We sat for hours and watched two seasons of Prison Break (and Wentworth Miller), ate enchiladas (made from scratch, thankyouverymuch!), and laughed that we hadn't see the light of day (or showered) in 48 hours (TMI, I know!). At that time we didn't know if Knee would ever allow her to compete again, run again, jump again.

But my God is a good God, my God is a great God, my God is the God of the IMPOSSIBLE. He has caused blind to see, lame to walk, dead to live, and Brianna to run once again. One year ago to the week, Brianna is doing to IMPOSSIBLE. On the anniversary of her surgery she competed in Osaka, Japan and took first place in long jump. Why? Because we serve a God who is still in the business of doing the impossible. Today she is in Brazil competing in the 100 and long jump and my God will have His will done. Win or lose.

No matter what we are facing, there is a God who handles business. He is our advocate, our redeemer, and our salvation. Through Him and by Him we can stand before our Goliaths and claim, You come at me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty... (1 Samuel 17:45a)

May we walk with these words on our lips, Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). Do we believe this? Then let's start acting like it!

35 comments:

Krista Heiser said...

I think you should add another box for reactions: Amazing.

What a powerful, motivating story.

Julieann said...

Amen to that!!!

Diana Rush said...

So touching to see God work! I am so glad that I found your website via your sister! I'm going to have to keep track of your conference schedule.. I would love some of my High School girls at our church to hear you... just reading your blog I feel touched! Thank you!

Bianca said...

Whoa! Y'all are QUICK to respond :) I feel so warm and fuzzy all over :)

In all honesty, thanks for your feedback! It makes blogging motivating. I will post a link on my blog of future speaking events too (but I feel lame like I'm trying to market myself). If you're in the area, drop a line and visit :)

B

Bianca said...

PS Krista, you're dog is ADORABLE... almost as adorable as MY yorkie :)

Anonymous said...

Seriously, the Lord is going to do a work (an IMPOSSIBLE work to the world, but a POSSIBLE work for Him.) I love people who are open and raw about the power and love of God. Great word! I'm so encouraged to love deeper and with abandon!

Keep running for Jesus Bianca! And literally for Brianna! :)

p.s. LMHS--does that stand for La Mirada High School! If so... that's where I went to school. And does Brianna have a sister named Brittany? If so, I totally went to school with her sister. Let me know, If you get a chance :)

ok...to many "If so-s"

love,
Amber

Kate Noelle said...

And in addition... He equips us with everything we need to do the impossible for Him! I love that! And I'm so glad I came across your blog too... a new weekly must read for me!

jamiedelaine said...

Amen! I love that. It's so true; we aren't called just to do good things to change the world, but called to do impossible things to change the world WITH a purpose! :)

Unknown said...

I've been blog stalking your sister for a while, and was super excited to see your blog. i checked out your website (which is uber-fab, by the way) and made it to your blog from there. thank you! thanks for being so open and willing to speak about Christ. thanks for being a shining example to the rest of us and certainly an inspiration. i live in the bible belt, so i tend to think everyone here is a christian and everyone far away isn't. sorry for the stereotype! :) but, you truly are an inspiration and a joy to read! now i will be stalking both of the Juarez sisters' blogs! :)

Diandra Ann said...

another great one B! You are an amazing friend (i can attest to that!) and you and Brianna are lucky to have each other! And PRAISE GOD that He does impossible. Can you imagine life without it? Wow. And PS... I needed this this morning. Thank you! love you! keep it up!

Anonymous said...

B, this is exactly what I need to read. I'm surrounded by haters and I feel so small. Thanks for the encouragement.

In the name of Jesus.

1717
}i{

brit brat said...

Brought me to tears B....seriously my sister is so blessed to have a friend like you. I will probably live my entire life and never find one as caring, devoted, and selfless as yourself. I love you for how much you love my sister.
Amazing post!

Diana said...

My sister is a photographer here in NC and we both love to follow the "big names" in photography, including your sister. So imagine my surprise and delight when I clicked on your blog from her site this morning. I'm already hooked! Your words are refreshing and inspiring. I just love when people are so open and honest about their love of Jesus Christ. You never know how many people He will reach through your words. Keep it up!!

Bianca said...

I'll keep writing you people keep reading :)

Amber, I went to La Mirada High School and Brit is Bri's sister?! How crazy, right?

paula said...

Jesus just rocks. excited about your blog!

Quirky Christa said...

I'm so glad I found out about your blog from Jasmine's blog. I think this is just what I've been needing. Keep preachin' it sista!

Anonymous said...

B ~ amazing post. We often walk around defeated, easily forgetting that He has promised us a future & a hope. Neglecting the fact that God can not & will not deny Himself & it is through Him that we have our victories.

"You come w/sword & spear...but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty" what a mighty powerful verse.

Cyn

KMiner said...

Bianca,

I too found your blog through Jasmine's and I just wanted to say, I love what you are doing and what you are saying! Please keep it up, I look forward to reading more!

K

Brianna said...

B...I love you. thank you for your constant friendship and constant prayers.

GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Amy said...

Love your thoughts!! you really have a gift girl!! what a great story about your friend. You are an awesome inspiration!!

Shannon said...

your insite and wisdom is an inspiration to me! I LOVE reading this blog, its such a blessing!
<3 shannon

Jennie Finch said...

Amen!!! So happy HE provided you with this platform, and the many "Impossible" to come! :)
XOXO Keep Writing!

jfred said...

It is wonderful to find a voice that walks the walk and is not fearful of the position to which she adheres. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17 NASB)
May God the father continue to bless and use you in all you do, in all you say, and give you His joy and peace.

His Jewel said...

Hey B,
Another amazing blog! I agree with Krista, you need to add more reaction boxes like: AMAZING, PROFOUND, INSPIRING. =)

michelle peek said...

I needed to read this! Thanks for encouraging us.
Press on and fight the good fight!

Dana said...

The difference a year can make! =)

Loving the new blog! Many blessings to you dear!! ;-)

sassymo said...

First of all; thank you so much for starting this blog! It ROCKS! It is so awesome an motivating to read it every day. Secondly; Amen. :) Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

From the mouth of Babes...the truth comes forth! Thank You for reminding me that Nothing, No Nothing is impossible for GOD! I will keep this beautiful young athelete in my prayers and you as well precious angel!
Queenie <><

Frances said...

I too found your blog through your sister's blog. The two of you are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your heart for the Lord.

May He continue to bless you in all your endeavors.

shara lana said...

I am in total awe of just how beautiful you and your sister have allowed God to make you both. I want your parents to write a book so they can teach us how to have children like you. :D Amazing, You are such an inspiration. What a light you are, Keep the shine on!!!!!!

Lesley said...

So glad i found your blog via Jasmine's. what a truly inspirational story. thank you!

Holli True said...

I love your blog!! It's so positive, uplifting and true! We can all achieve great things through God! How amazing that after only one year Brianna is competing again! Hopefully you'll be back in Eugene (my home) in a few years for the 2012 trials! God Bless!!

KATEE said...

convicting.
humbling.
compelling.
so so so true...

so clearly put.

xoxo,
katee grace

Anonymous said...

I need to be reminded that our God is a great God and loves us so much. I just read of a baby dying from cancer and I am so in tears---but only God knows what was in store for that little one and what impact she made in her short life--I don't even know this child or her parents but I weep for her parents--and siblings and the rest of the extended family. Not a happy day today.

Anonymous said...

B - Thank u! God knew I would wake up this morning, weak and feeling beat, read this and feel renewed. Thank you for continuing to be a light for the world....and reminding me of the simple Sunday school concept: Through HIM all things are possible! A concept I've seemed to brush to the side lately.
T

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