Amazing Strength – When You Need to Do the Impossible
What do you do when God tells you to do the impossible and pray for the person who caused your pain and persecution to be blessed?
You trust Him to keep His promise to give you amazing strength.
As I read today’s verses, the first words that came to mind were, “That’s impossible! I don’t want to…”
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Romans 12:14
I wonder if your reaction is similar…
I understand not cursing them, and praying for them to have a changed heart makes sense. But to pray that God will bless the persecutor. That can feel impossible.
The thing is, Paul was repeating what Jesus said during the Sermon on the Mount…
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
Matthew 5:43–44
And Jesus not only expressed that we should do it, but He also showed us how to do it…
When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross … Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:33a, 34
That’s LOVE! And that’s the point. When you and I forgive the people who betray, lie, reject, or persecute us, we are exhibiting God’s love.
But it’s hard! When someone’s painful choices have lasting consequences, asking God to bless that person can feel impossible. And honestly, having a giving, forgiving heart is impossible when we try to do it through our own strength.
The good news is that we are not alone. We have the power of Christ Jesus within us through His Spirit.
I like the way the Amplified Version states Paul’s confidence in Christ’s empowering strength…
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me.
Philippians 4:13a (AMP)
Let me ask … do you have someone or several someones for whom it feels impossible to pray God’s blessings? If so, pause and ask God to give you the strength you need to honor Him through a heart of forgiveness. Ask Him to help you love like Jesus, even when it seems impossible.
Jesus invites us to leave the pain of persecution at the foot of the cross. When we release our pain and anger to the Lord’s care, we show the world His love. And it’s only when we love like Jesus that we can live as a united family of believers.
This is the heart of Christian living. It speaks to the way we are to love one another as Jesus commanded…
“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34–35
Paul continued…
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Romans 12:15–18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
The enemy tells us to get even, to complain to anyone who will listen, to take care of ourselves even if we neglect or hurt someone else. But Jesus tells us to surrender everything, including our emotions and position, to Him. And when we do, He gives us amazing strength to do His will, even if it feels impossible.
Let’s pray…
A Prayer for Amazing Strength to
Do the Impossible and Love Like Jesus
Heavenly Father, that painful choice left a life-changing wound. The loss, rejection, and lies feel impossible to overcome. It will impact my life forever. Your Word promises that You see everything that happens to me and You know my heart.
How can you ask me to bless this person? It feels impossible. I can’t…
But You can. You have given me what I need to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You. And because You have given me that miracle, I will trust You to accomplish this one as well.
Jesus felt all the painful emotions we experience, and still said, “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” And with His Spirit, within me, I believe I can do the same.
Please forgive my stubborn heart. Forgive my prideful, self-righteous spirit. I humbly bring my pain and problems to the foot of the cross. I surrender all to You. And I believe I can do this and “all things” when Jesus is my source of strength.
I come to You, thankful for Your grace, mercy, and love. As I have been forgiven, I pray that You will give me a forgiving heart. I humbly ask You to bless __________. Draw them close and fill them with Your love.
Please help us, Your children, to live in peace with one another. Please give us everything we need to show the world Your wonderful, life-changing love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Andrew Murray wrote…
“Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart-so will you be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
I’m here to tell you that I know it’s not easy. Asking God to bless the person or persons who caused us pain can feel like it’s opening the would all over again.
But God…
Blesses our commitments to TRUST and OBEY Him. I can’t tell you how or when, but I believe He will give each of us His perfect peace when we surrender our pain and persecution to Him.
God be with you and bless you with amazing strength and perfect peace.
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You’re so right about this being hard to do, but with Jesus’ help, we can surrender our stubborn wills to God’s perfect will. Blessings, Deb!
I am so thankful the Lord is patient and willing to help us through these difficult moments as we give our struggles to Him and try to obey. Thanks for faithfully adding to our conversations, Martha! Have a wonderful weekend. Blessings!