October 2008 Jimmy Page Fit 4 Ever

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING!

“…With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27 (NIV)

I was recently walking through my favorite sporting goods store when I saw a huge Adidas banner that said, “Impossible is Nothing.” I actually had to reread it to let its simple message sink in.

This statement really refers to a mindset. It is a way of thinking. It is an approach to training, competition and life that requires a different way of looking at the challenges we will face: the unbeatable opponents, the unreachable heights, the unattainable records.
 
I believe that the single biggest obstacle we must overcome in life is a lack of belief. And when I’m coaching people to achieve their goals for a healthy life, this lack of belief seems to keep coming back time and time again. We have failed so many times in our quest to lose weight or get in shape that we truly don’t believe it can happen.

We all face challenges that seem impossible to overcome. When it comes to losing weight, some have tried virtually every diet known to man. Maybe they’ve lost weight dozens of times only to gain it right back, and now they no longer believe that it can be done.

Is that you?

Well, I get the feeling that this mindset is exactly what Jesus confronts in Mark 9:14-29. A father brought his boy, who was controlled by an evil spirit, to Jesus. The spirit had made the boy deaf and mute, and it continually tried to kill him by throwing him into fire or water.

I just bet that this dad was worn out—completely at the end of his rope. So, when he asks Jesus if He can do anything to help, Jesus responds, “If you can?” (my interpretation: “Are you serious?”) “Everything is possible to the one who believes!”

Then the father responds, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”

Sometimes we get stuck believing that it can’t happen for us. That we can’t be healthy. That we can’t lose the weight. That we can’t overcome challenges. That we can’t overcome great loss. That we can’t come back from failure. That we can’t overcome sin. You name it. We just insert the words “I can’t” and don’t even realize that we are making God very small and our problems very big. Our circumstances choke out our faith.

Two of the biggest reasons for this are that (1) we just don’t spend enough time reading God’s living Word, and (2) we rely on our own strength rather than God’s.

The most important part of Mark 10:27 is the last two words: “with God.” Nothing is impossible with God. What is impossible for man is possible with Him!

The Bible is the book of the impossible becoming possible! It is literally packed with stories that demonstrate God’s power over our circumstances. When we run out of strength, when we think it can’t be done, God moves. Consider these examples of how God makes the impossible possible:

•Peter walked on water. (Matthew 14:22-36)

•Noah survived the flood. (Genesis 6:5-9:29)

•The Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land. (Exodus 14)

•Joseph survived betrayal, slavery and prison, and then saved the nations. (Genesis 37-50)

•Daniel survived the lion’s den. (Daniel 6)

•Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego survived the fire. (Daniel 3)

•David took down the giant. (1 Samuel 17)

•Joshua knocked down the walls of Jericho. (Joshua 6:1-21)

•Mary conceived a child as a virgin. (Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7)

•Paul survived being stoned, beaten, shipwrecked and imprisoned. (Almost the entire book of Acts)

•The blind could see, the lame could walk, and the sick were healed.

•Jesus conquered the grave. (John 18-20)

Why do you think you are any different than others who have experienced God’s power of deliverance? The same God of Peter, Noah, Mary and Daniel is the same God of your life. What makes you think that He can’t deliver you the same way He delivered them?

This month, ask the Lord to fuel your faith. Release those doubts and choose to believe in the power of your Father who loves you! And when in doubt, repeat after me: “With God, impossible is nothing!”  

Want more? Catch Jimmy Page’s 90-second “Fit Life Today” podcasts, now available at www.fcapodcasting.com.

Photo courtesy of Kregel Publishing.

Medical Disclaimer: All information in this article is of a general nature and is furnished for your knowledge and understanding only. This information is not to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to your specific health and medical condition. Always consult a physician or health professional before beginning any exercise or nutrition program.