One principle from our lesson on John 5:

Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” – John 5:8

Brief context: Jesus is in Jerusalem and sees a number of people lame, blind and otherwise ill and incapacitated.  He walks up to one man who, the scriptures tell us, had been in his crippled state for 38 years.  Let that sink in:  thirty. eight. years.  Jesus simply looks at him and says, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”  This man hasn’t walked in 38 years.  His ligaments are non-existent.  His muscles are all atrophied.  He must be thinking, “That’s impossible.”

Biblical Principle:  God often asks us to do the seeming impossible.  He whispers to us, “I want you to forgive (that person who hurt or betrayed you.)”  “I want you to attempt to reconcile your relationship (with your estranged friend/relative.)”  “I want you to trust me with (your devastating disappointment.)”  “I want you to share your faith (with an acquaintance you suspect is resistant, or even hostile, toward the Christian faith.)” And so on.

A frightened and very young Mary replied to the angel, Gabriel, “How can this be, [how can I be pregnant], since I am a virgin?”  Gabriel replied, “Nothing is impossible with God.”

Paul wrote,

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

By the way, the crippled man got up, rolled up his mat, and, for the first time in almost 4 decades, walked away.  We get up each morning like every other morning, but we never know what a day may bring.

Solus Christus, Nick