Does God Work in the Middle of Impossible?

Speechless.

As a year comes to a close, this is my 2017 word. A word filled with gratitude, awe, and a lack of words.

The irony. I’m lacking words about all my words.

One of my lifelong dreams was to write a book. Since...forever. And I did it, it’s launched, it’s got its own legs now. Chin Up feels like it’s just working its own magic, however it pleases, whenever it wants.

One of the most beautiful and crazy things is seeing my book opened by other hands on Christmas—hands I don't know on social media. Speechless.

I am speechless from your support and cheering and promoting and launching. Y’all worked hard and continue to recommend my book. I can’t say enough. Thank you.

I’m speechless from the actual launch night. It was full of beauty as so many traveled, served, helped, hopped on planes, celebrated, and helped me stay in the moment of what God was doing.

I’m speechless: in just six weeks 1,000 copies are out in the world.

I’m speechless as a dream came alive in the middle of impossible. 

My friend put it this way: “I really love how in the middle of the thing you never really 'dreamed' about (being a mother), birthed your book - a passion and dream. Simply stated: I love how motherhood birthed your writing. And your book.”

I’m speechless about the overwhelming love I have for my creative and hilarious three children. They are the actual best. They are both impossible and the best.

I’m in the middle of impossible. Impossible demands. Requests. Tantrums. Schedules. Sleep-interrupted dreaming. Homework. Emotions (SO many emotions.) I'm in the middle of raising three tender, growing souls.

It can feel impossible to try to do anything outside of making strong and straight arrows to launch into the world by faith, hope, and love. That alone, friend, is quite the job. You and I both know it.

But I’ve learned God works in the middle of impossible. In fact, that’s the only way He works.

His power is perfected in our imperfection.
His grace shows up when we give up.
His resurrection arrives when nothing else is alive.

God looks Impossible in the face and gives power. Gives strength. Gives a new way.

What impossible are you in the middle of? Sickness? A job change? A move? A lonely situation? Divorce? Infertility? Difficult foster care? Fear of the unknown? Parenting a complicated child? Family drama? Grief? Hidden heart dreams that seem unattainable? 

And because of your impossible, it may also be impossible to think of what’s actually true. So let me gently remind you:

God’s mercy is fresh and free every morning.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
- Lamentations 3:23

God is so very close to you—He is with you.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 
- Isaiah 41:10

All of God’s grace is all yours. 

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
- 2 Cor. 9:12

God provides.

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
- 2 Cor 9:8

God sees your tears.

“You have taken note of my journey through life, caught each of my tears in Your bottle …”
-Psalm 56:8

All of His love is all yours. You are the apple of His eye, His delight, His joy.

The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness; 
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
-Zephaniah 3:17

God is for you. Who or what situation could possibly be against you?

"If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"
-Romans 8:31

I don't know your impossible. I don't know your fears. I don't know your situation. I don't know your tears.

But I know the King and I've seen Him answer long awaited prayers. He's taken dormant dreams and woken them up. He's provided soul-care and shepherding. Resources and resilience. Care and community.

May you experience these things and more from Him right now. May you know His nearness. May you see His goodness. Most of all, may you not only know what He gives from His hand, but may you simply know Him. The King of The Impossible.