Is Anything Too Hard?

Photo Credit – Kim Clayton Lance

Is anything too hard for the Lord? This is not a trick question. My wandering heart often says “yes.”

Yet, Easter is the emphatic “NO.” Remembering this “NO” is difficult when the distractions of the world shut out the truth of the gospel. When life is unfair. When life doesn’t work according to schedule. When hurts get deeper and deeper. When what I want is all that is important. When cancer strikes. When jobs are lost. When friends become enemies. When infertility strikes. When family dynamics are dysfunctional. When aging becomes a gauntlet instead of a gentle passage of seasons.

Genesis 18:13-14 says, “Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.” ” And, Sarah did.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” And, this happened.

There is a song recorded by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood called “Somethin’ Bad.” I think of the lyrics sometimes and see how closely they describe life’s non-song, true experiences. The ultimate “somethin’ bad” really did happen! Jesus emptied Himself and died on the cross to save me from my sin and rebellion. He was horribly crucified so that I could become spiritually healed and right with God. He gave His life so that I could live eternally with Him.

Could there have been another path? The answer is still… NO. When my faith is waning, I am Sarah. Full of doubt. Out of patience. Tired of hoping. Wondering if God can be trusted after all. Trying to figure out if I can make things happen on my own. Trying to be a fixer. Saying to myself, some things might be too hard for the Lord.

Then God’s Spirit nudges me back onto the path of grace. He strengthens my faith. He reminds me that I have let the trappings of Easter crowd out the truth. He rids me of doubt. He shows me that true Easter somehow got buried in the rubble of Easter egg hunts, Sunday dresses, spring colors, bunny rabbits, and sugar treats. He restores hope. He turns my impatience around. He whispers, “Sarah, trust me.”

Nothing is too hard for Him. He conquered death. He was resurrected. He broke the power of sin. He is completely trustworthy. He loves everlastingly. Psalm 37:1 says “do not fret…” and Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…” And, Sarah did have a son.

And, we have The Son.