There are lots of advertisements that make me want to change the channel on the TV. (The new KIA dealer in Wesley Chapel, Florida comes to mind, as he uses his HUGE advertising budget to tell us about the HUGE deals he offers.) You probably also have some 30 or 60 second spots that make you reach for the remote control. But, then some ads make their point for me in an effective way.
I have been intrigued by the TV spots from one of the national educational institutions that captures such a creative word play by transforming “impossible” to “I’m possible.” At least from my perspective, this is a well done ad. What they try to sell is the power of education (and especially the education that they offer) to change the impossible to the possible. There’s a good message here about what is possible in life.
The power of possibility also comes through in the story of Mary’s conversation with the angel that we find in Luke. Chapter one of Luke starts with the tale of two old followers of God, Elizabeth and Zechariah, who after a lifetime of unsuccessfully trying to have a child, were told that soon they would be changing diapers as parents. It seemed impossible to them, but they smiled and agreed to watch it happen. Then we find the story of Mary. She is much younger than Elizabeth, and the story of her baby to be isn’t really about timing. The angel tells Mary, this young virgin, that she too will soon give birth to a son. Mary’s concern is about process. She is a virgin (did we already mention that?). And if that wasn’t incredible enough, this child is to be God’s Son. The angel explains that the power of the Holy Spirit will make it all happen, and then he comes with the line that takes us back through the history of how God has worked in the lives of people, and helps us to chart our path of trusting God in our lives as we go forward:
Nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37
That’s what we are to remember, when we are told to forgive those who have done terrible things to hurt us. Impossible, we think. (Nothing will be impossible with God,) when we are told to change our lives from selfishness and sinfulness. Impossible, we think. (Nothing will be impossible with God.) When we feel so unlovable, and then we hear that God loves us regardless. Impossible, we think. (Nothing will be impossible with God.)
Maybe we should spend a little time each day, wondering what might be possible for us, with God.
God, this is another day in my life. Help me to look for what you have deemed possible for me today, through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.