DECEMBER 24

The God of the Impossible

Bible Reading: Luke 1

Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Too often we think of things merely in the human plane – to where our senses and suppositions and experiences lead us.  We fail in our vision of what God can do because we fail to apply the truth of who God is to the practical matters of our lives.  We believe God is all-powerful, all-wise, and full of grace and mercy.  Yet, in matters pertaining to our own lives, our faith falters. 

Mary has provided us with such a wonderful example.  The angel Gabriel told Mary that God was about to do something that was humanly impossible.  Human reason would argue against the possibility of a virgin giving birth to a child.  It was something that had not happened and does not happen.  Yet God had told her it was soon to take place.

When God speaks of doing the impossible, then that matter is no longer absurd.  Faith takes God at His word.  Faith trumps all doubts and rationalizations and excuses.  It looks to God, the One who created all things out of nothing, and deems Him able (Jeremiah 32:17). 

In faith, she availed herself as a servant to God’s plan, saying, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).  Was she aware of the troubles that she would soon be confronted with?  Joseph’s reaction!  The scandal of it all!  A sudden dash to Egypt!  She was no doubt henceforth encouraged through all such challenges, knowing that she had been called by God to bear His Son. Even as she responded by faith in worship (Luke 1:46-55).

Henry Blackaby has commented on this, “God wanted to bring salvation to all of humanity. It is critical that Mary not only believed God could perform a miracle but also adjusted her life to the awesome work He planned to do through her. The difference between a Christian and a moral person is the divine. The difference between a church and a social club is the miraculous. Some can duplicate the morality of a Christian, but no one can reproduce the miraculous that should be a part of the Christian experience. Do you believe that nothing is impossible for God?”

It’s Christmas Eve, a great time to take Mary’s example of faith and apply it to your own life.  God has already worked a miracle in your life–causing you to be born again of the Spirit.  What other miracle might he do in and through you?  Be encouraged by this admonition from James Smith, “No, nothing is too hard for the Lord! Therefore, cheer up, press on, take up your cross or burden afresh — and bear it after Jesus. Let this precious truth feed and strengthen your faith — that you may be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Let it excite and animate your hope — that you may expect great things from God. Let it stimulate you in prayer — that you may ask largely of God, and ask with confidence too. Let it crush your fears — that you may press boldly on, until you reach the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let it stir you up to exertion — for as nothing shall be impossible to God, so nothing shall be impossible to you, which you undertake with His sanction, and with a view to His glory. Let it encourage and call forth praise — for how grateful and thankful we should be, that our God can do all things, and therefore will do for us, all that is necessary both in life and death. Let us keep this sweet truth always in mind, and when cast down — chide our fears and excite our hopes, saying, ‘With God, nothing shall be impossible!’”

MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new;
This Child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you?

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod,
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God?
Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again,
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Was Heaven’s perfect Lamb,
And the sleeping Child you’re holding
Is the great, the Great I AM?
Oh, Mary, Mary, did you know?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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