Possible or Impossible? Trusting God's Plan

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments that challenge our beliefs and push us to the limits of our trust in God. The story of the rich young ruler in the Gospel of Luke provides a powerful illustration of this struggle and invites us to reflect on our own relationship with material possessions and our willingness to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
The encounter begins with a seemingly simple question: "Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" This query, posed by a wealthy and influential young man, sets the stage for a profound lesson on the nature of true discipleship and the cost of following Jesus.
Jesus' response is both challenging and enlightening. He first addresses the young man's use of the word "good," reminding him that only God is truly good. This subtle correction hints at a deeper truth – our human understanding of goodness falls short of God's perfect standard.
The conversation then turns to the commandments. Jesus recites several of the Ten Commandments, focusing on those that deal with human relationships. The rich young ruler confidently asserts that he has kept all these since his youth. Yet, Jesus perceives that something is still lacking in this man's spiritual life.
"You still lack one thing," Jesus tells him. "Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
This request strikes at the heart of the young man's struggle. He is faced with a choice between his earthly wealth and the promise of heavenly riches. The scripture tells us that he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. In this moment of decision, we see the tension between worldly attachments and spiritual commitment laid bare.
Jesus uses this encounter to teach a broader lesson about the challenges of entering the kingdom of God. He states that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. This vivid imagery isn't meant to be taken literally, but rather to illustrate the immense difficulty of putting God first when we are attached to worldly possessions.
The disciples, hearing this, are astonished and ask, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus' response is both comforting and challenging: "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
This statement encapsulates a central theme of the Christian faith – that with God, all things are possible. It reminds us that our salvation and spiritual growth are not achieved through our own efforts alone, but through the transformative power of God working in our lives.
The conversation then takes an interesting turn as Peter, ever the bold disciple, points out that they have left everything to follow Jesus. In response, Jesus offers a promise of abundant reward, both in this life and in the age to come, for those who have made sacrifices for the sake of the kingdom of God.
This passage challenges us to examine our own lives and priorities. Are we, like the rich young ruler, holding onto something that prevents us from fully following Christ? Are there areas of our lives where we struggle to trust God completely?
The story invites us to consider the word "impossible" in a new light. When we break it down, we see "I'm possible" – a reminder that with God's help, we are capable of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our spiritual journey.
As we reflect on this teaching, we're called to ask ourselves some challenging questions:

1. What are we holding onto that might be hindering our relationship with God?
2. Are we willing to trust God even when His call seems impossible or unreasonable?
3. How can we cultivate a heart that is more focused on heavenly treasures than earthly possessions?

The message here isn't about literal poverty or asceticism, but rather about our willingness to submit everything to God's control. It's about recognizing that true discipleship often requires sacrifice and a reordering of our priorities.
We're reminded that our rewards in heaven are directly related to our faithfulness and service on earth. The imagery of a heavenly "town square" with Jesus at the center is a powerful metaphor for this concept. Those who have served Him most faithfully will be closest to Him, while others may find themselves further away, though still present in His kingdom.
This teaching also emphasizes the importance of community in our faith journey. We're called to be part of the body of Christ, each playing our unique role. Just as a physical body cannot function without all its parts working together, so too does the church need all its members to contribute their gifts and talents.
In our daily lives, we're faced with countless opportunities to choose between earthly comforts and heavenly priorities. Each decision, no matter how small, is a chance to demonstrate our trust in God and our commitment to His kingdom.
As we navigate these choices, we're encouraged to remember that nothing is impossible with God. He can transform our hearts, overcome our attachments, and enable us to follow Him more closely. Our part is to remain open to His leading, willing to step out in faith even when the path seems difficult or unclear.
In conclusion, the story of the rich young ruler and Jesus' teachings on discipleship challenge us to examine our own lives and priorities. They invite us to trust God more fully, to be willing to let go of whatever holds us back, and to embrace the adventure of following Christ wholeheartedly.
As we reflect on these truths, may we be inspired to take bold steps of faith, trusting that with God, all things are indeed possible. Let us strive to be closer to Jesus in this life, so that we may be closer to Him in eternity. And may we always remember that in God's economy, what seems impossible to us is always possible with Him.