Sunday Rewind 09.21.08

This is the second week of a 5-week series based around scenes from the movie, “Facing the Giants”. This week's theme is "Attempt the Impossible".

In the movie, nobody thought the Shiloh Eagles would have a winning record, but they did. Nobody thought they’d make the playoffs, but they did. Nobody thought they’d make the championship game. So just before heading out onto the field to face the Richfield Giants, Coach Taylor gathered his team together to remind his team that nothing is impossible. Then, they went out, face the Giants, and won.

We know nothing is impossible with God. But often, we get to the edge of the impossible and quit. Why? Here's a few reasons:

• We get to thinking instead of trusting
• We hear God's Word, but want a 2nd opinion.
• We hold onto tradition rather than truth
• Fear grips us at the moment of decision

When we get to the edge of the impossible and quit, we forfeit the great things God has for us. Sometimes, the only way to experience God’s blessings is to attempt the impossible. And Joshua 3 gives us a perfect case study. Here are 3 step I see from this story:

• Step One: Do what you can (v. 1-4). Joshua and the Israelites were camped 7 miles away from the Jordan. Before they could cross the river, they needed to do something. They needed to walk to the river. The same is true for us. God has given us abilities and expects us to use them. Don't just sit there wondering why things don't change. Do what you can.
• Step Two: Consecrate Yourself (v. 5). Joshua told the people to consecrate themselves. What he meant was, "get things right between you and God". Lot's of people want to see God's power in their life, but don't want it to cost them anything. Impossible situations require God's power, and that's only available to those willing to invest in relationship with God.
• Step Three: Act in Faith (vv. 6, 14-17). Acting in faith means taking a step w/o seeing where you foot will land. The Jordan was at flood stage. But it wasn't until the priests feet hit the water that miracles happened. There are times when God says step out, but it seems crazy to do so right now. We want to put him off until it makes more sense. But God says, no, do it now.

What "giant" seems impossible to you? Remember that God is right there with you. And between your impossibility and victory is one step of faith.