If something goes too far, looks too difficult, or takes too long, say hello to the unthinkable.  This is a meet-up I’d rather miss.  And yet, eventually we each encounter an experience we are hoping to avoid.

Last week, I received phone calls about ill loved ones.  Each conversation brought a challenge to my core.  Unthinkable arrived. With its unwanted news, it tried to hold my hand with the goal of taking over my heart.

My tendency towards the “all or nothing” approach, gave me two options:  Unthinkable could take me for a downward spiral or I could take it to the throne of grace.  I’ve chosen the throne room option. You’re invited to bring your “unthinkable” too.

First, we can introduce unthinkable to the unmatched power of God through prayer.  As our emotions battle discouraging details, our faith can make a pivotal decision.  Unthinkable hurts. Unthinkable taunts.  But unthinkable doesn’t have the last word.  It is not the biggest “un” around.  God is unequaled and His power is unmatched.

“To whom will you compare me?   Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.Look up into the heavens.  Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” –  Isaiah 40:25-26 NLT

Next,we can release unthinkable to the unmatched power of God by faith.  If the only thing to fear is fear itself, then the only way to courage is to trust the Champion.  Life’s disturbing details attempt to pry my fingers off of my faith; but God won’t let me go.  He holds me close and He leads me still.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1-2a NLT

Then, we will endure unthinkable through the unmatched power of God for a testimony.  A crisis doesn’t change the fact that we are created for the glory of God.  However, a crisis does present us with a choice:  Are we willing to believe the glory of God can be seen, even in our unthinkable?

This week I chose to believe. Just as I felt the weight of circumstances apply pressure to my heart, I experienced something much heavier — the grace of God.  It shines the certainty of His promises upon a desperate soul.  It strengthens the hands of the weak and the heart of the faint. If Unthinkable tries to tell us we are not able, the Christ follower can boldly say,

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” – Ephesians 3:20 NLT 

Unthinkable better look over its shoulder, there’s a testimony behind it.

If the unanticipated or unwelcome arrives in our lives, here’s some good news:  The mind cannot conceive what our indescribable God can do.  We may not know the form His mercy will take, but we can trust it will take us exactly where He wants us to be.  And when I think of that, it gives hope for the heart and joy to the soul.

“I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.” – Psalm 31:7 NLT