Impossible

It was never supposed to happen.  From start to finish, every trail of your parents’ journey to reach you was stamped with a signpost marked “Impossible.”  The terrain was rocky and steep, filled with roadblocks, the view around each corner completely obstructed.

They did not qualify to adopt from the country where you were born.  Their finances were woefully inadequate, and they could never afford the adoption expenses.  Their spiritual leaders, the ones they respected and from whom they sought counsel, advised them against it.  She had serious health issues that prevented her from traveling.  And perhaps the most obvious Impossible sign:  another family had already begun the process to adopt you.

Common sense said no.  The list of reasons to quit just kept growing.  The obstacles seemed insurmountable.  Their efforts and prayer seemed futile.  And yet . . . they dared to hope. 

And miraculously, here you are!  Home with your new family!  You are a living example of Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:26: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Even before you were born, He knew that you were meant to be a part of this family, and day by day, step by step, He removed each barrier, paving the way for your parents to reach you.  Governments and agencies made exceptions to their rules.  Generous donors contributed to the costs of the adoption, paying the fees in full.  God has miraculously healed your mother and has given her renewed strength and stamina.  And the first family that decided not to go through with it?  They will never know what a blessing they are missing!

You are such a joy, a pure delight to your family and to everyone who meets you.  Your smile lights up a room, attracting the attention of every person in it.  And despite the fact that you speak a different language, you have no problem communicating in your own unique, charming, compelling way.  It’s impossible not to love you!

You are incredibly brave, traveling to the other side of the world at such a young age, being surrounded by people who look different, speak a strange language, and offer you food that is altogether unfamiliar.  Already you have endured numerous diagnostic tests and medical procedures, sharp needles and strange wires - all with amazing courage and strength.  Your indomitable spirit is such an inspiration to so many people!

However, because of your medical condition, the journey is far from over.  The road ahead may indeed be at once exciting and adventurous, frightening and difficult – both for you and for your family who is traveling it with you.  Doctors may offer hopeful words, a new approach one day, and then a sobering prognosis the next.  Friends and even family members who love you like crazy may inadvertently make comments – careless, insensitive comments that sting bitterly.  You may discover that, unexpectedly, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.  But you may also find that your physical limitations hinder some of your most cherished dreams and aspirations.  It will be a journey of difficult challenges and amazing triumphs, frustrating roadblocks and incredible views.

When the path is uphill and painful and exhausting.  When you are tempted to become discouraged and lose hope.  Then it’s time to remember.  Remember how the Lord, your dearest Friend, protected you and sustained you during all those years when you were sad and alone, waiting for someone to love you.  Remember how the Lord, powerful and capable, ignored Impossible and moved mountains to unite you with your family.¹

That same God who was with you then is the same God who is with you now.²  He is on this road with you.  He is the One who created this road!  It’s not about how difficult the journey is.  It’s about taking that journey one step, one morning, at a time.³  It’s about putting on your shoes each morning with determination.  Taking a deep breath.  Holding firmly to His outstretched hand, and walking wherever He may lead you, no matter how daunting.⁴

Just as your parents have done before you, dare to trust that His plan for you is good, even when it doesn’t make sense.⁵  Even when you can’t see where He is leading.  Dare to walk confidently forward, knowing that your life is secure in His powerful hands.⁶  Dare to hope.  Dare to believe that He is indeed the God of Impossible.

1.             Surely my soul remembers. . . This I recall to my mind. Therefore I have hope. (Lamentations 3:20) 

2.             He who began a good work in you will perfect it.  (Philippians 1:6)

3.             The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning.  Great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23)

4.             Let us run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

5.             “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

6.             The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.  (Proverbs 18:10)