I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Two very different settings for our verses today. One is from near the end of the book of Job. Among the various conversations Job has with his “friends” and with God, he affirms God’s power. Everything has gone wrong in his life – yet he still has faith and hope in God. He affirms that God can do anything, that we mere humans cannot thwart His purpose. God’s response in the last few verses is twofold – first to tell the friends that they have not told the truth about God and they need to make amends through a sacrifice. And asking for Job’s prayers. God then restores everything to Job. Not a bad ending for a book that can seem very depressing.

The verse from Luke comes from the angel who is speaking with Mary about a baby she is to have. Not just any baby, of course, but Jesus. Mary says she is not yet married, has not been with a man, how can she get pregnant? The angel’s response is much the same as Job’s statement: nothing is impossible with God.

Now, we sometimes look at this and think we can just ask God for anything, and we will get it. Note that Mary certainly didn’t ask to become pregnant before marriage. Job focused more on God’s power than asking for all his stuff to be returned. What the verses point to is that God has power, and has a purpose. He has a purpose for each of us, for our neighborhoods, for our world. That is the “anything” that God can do. He has promised to be there with us, through all that happens, no matter if it seems good or bad. He sustained Job, and restored him. He was with Mary as she gave birth to our Savior. He has promised to be with us throughout our lives, and He keeps His promises.

Beacon of hope, fortify us with the assurance of your love and companionship as we journey through life’s many trials. Forgive us for thinking that these verses are a way of getting you to fulfill our desires. Rather, help us to discern your purpose and work to fulfill it. With your steadying hand guiding us, we can weather any storm. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party