From the Reformed Quarterly Summer 1988 Bulletin.
“Impossible. It won’t work!” Who knows how many times that has been said? I surely have said it in all sincerity more than once, and regretted it later.
That is human nature. They said the Golden Gate Bridge couldn’t be built, that men would never fly to the moon, that cable could never be laid across the ocean floor, and on and on. Now we know better, but it is easy to forget when the next obstacle arises.
As Christians, we are inexcusable when we prematurely judge something to be impossible. The Scriptures remind us that while with men it may be impossible, “with God all things are possible.” The Apostle Paul asserted confidently that he could do “all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Why don’t we catch a little more of that attitude in our daily walk, claiming the sufficiency of God’s amazing grace? Admittedly, there are evil people who seem to multiply rapidly, gaining undue influence through their immoral manipulations. There seems to be an effort to suppress — repress – Christian influence, especially in public life. And so many Christians seem lethargic and superficial — Christian influence is declining. Yet, we must admit, this is no ordinary occurrence; it is rather typical of the flow of history.
But in spite of opposition or a myriad of difficulties, the Lord is with His people. He is able to take meager resources and do mighty things with them. And He can use us powerfully, too, far beyond what we might expect.
The steady growth and increasing influence of RTS is a good example. In spite of heavy and sustained opposition from various sectors, the seminary continues to flourish, and the ministries of our alumni thrive around the globe. Consider what God is doing in Central Florida through young men who are involved in the very difficult task of starting churches. Or note the second mile of ministry effort by alumnus Larry Sharpless in Detroit, Michigan. Rather than seeking a more attractive place — safer and easier — he is claiming the Lord’s grace powerfully where he is.
That can be true for you, too. Who knows what great things the Lord may yet do through those of us who trust Him and are willing to attempt the difficult, if not seemingly impossible, tasks through faithful obedience. It is not too late for a new reformation, is it?