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!