Embrace Your Impossible

By David VanEpps

For hundreds of years before 1954, running a mile in under four minutes was deemed physically impossible.  It didn’t just seem impossible; it was scientifically determined that humans were incapable of doing so.  Then on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister ran a mile with a time of 3:59. Within a year, someone else ran a four-minute mile, and now, it’s almost routine. 

The worst words in the English language are “I can’t.”  No two words in history have imposed more false limitations.  The brain always moves in the direction of one’s dominant thoughts.  Yet our lives are filled with words like “impossible” and “I can’t.”   We say, “I can’t control my diet.” 

“I can’t lose weight.”  “I can’t reduce my blood pressure.”  The words “I can’t” aren’t just words – they are a crystal-clear set of instructions for your brain.  They tell you that something is impossible, and your subconscious goes on autopilot.    

Impossible?

In the Bible, Matthew 19:16-28 tells the story of a wealthy young man who was asking Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. After Jesus shares a few commandments, the man answers in a way that suggests a bit of arrogance, saying that he’s met all of those conditions.  Then Jesus replies in verse 21, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  Jesus isn’t saying that selling all your possessions is a prerequisite for eternal life; He is simply making a point that we can never do enough to earn eternal life.  His disciples then ask Jesus the obvious question, “Who then can be saved?” (Matthew 19:25 NIV).  He replies in verse 26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.  Jesus is reiterating the point that we cannot earn eternal life on our own.  We need God.  We need a Savior.  That Savior is Jesus Christ.  When grounded in faith and connected to the power of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible.

Motivation

Running a sub-4 mile was supposed to be impossible, but Roger Bannister didn’t get that message.  In Matthew 19, we’re led down a path that suggests that earning our way into Heaven is impossible, but with God anything is possible.  I’ve had a few impossibles in my life.  

• When I was over 250 pounds with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high sugar, and a high risk for cardiovascular disease, people told me getting healthy was impossible.  
• When I severely tore my calf in 2010, I was told that it would be impossible to ever run again.
• When I joined a triathlon team in 2014, just four years after being told I’d never run again, not knowing how to swim, and not having ridden a bike since I was a kid, everyone told me a triathlon would be impossible.
• When I approached race day of my first Ironman triathlon, I was injured and was told by many people that it would be impossible to finish the race with my injury.

Being told it was impossible was all the motivation I needed. I leaned on experts to create action plans, and I relied on God as my source of inner strength.  By the grace of God, each of these impossibles became possible.  Next time someone says you can’t do something, take it as a challenge. 

Winning Mindset

Impossible is usually just a self-imposed limitation. If babies behaved like adults, they would stop trying to stand and walk after their first several failed attempts.  Fortunately, babies don’t know the word “impossible.”  Matthew 17:20 (NIV) says, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed … nothing will be impossible for you.” Every day, miracles happen, and the impossible becomes possible.

Challenge

What’s your impossible?  Maybe it’s overcoming an obstacle at work or in your family. Maybe it’s dealing with addiction or illness.  Maybe it’s a far-reaching goal.  Whatever it is, start by putting your finger on it and understanding why you believe it’s impossible. Once you’ve identified your impossible, think about your approach. Do you have a plan?  Are there experts you can lean on for help?  Are there others who’ve done this before and can advise or coach you?  

Lastly, think about your inner source of strength.  Are you trying to do this alone, or are you putting your faith, optimism, and positive thinking to work?

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

Ephesians 1:19-20, NLT

If you believe, you already have the power in you. Make today your day.  Make your impossible, possible.

Photo Credit: Jason Abdilla