Gentle reminders are a gracious gift to us! Although they remind us of the obvious, the truth is, we often need that reminder.
As a pastor, I often shaped my messages as “gentle reminders” because I understood obedience is a matter of strengthening both knowledge and commitment. As I privately discussed difficult or disturbing matters with congregants, they would often say, “Pastor, I know the Bible says this, and I know it says that....” Invariably, they would quote more verses to me than I intended to give to them.
You see, the challenge was not knowledge; it was confidence in the Word of God. If we lack confidence, we will lack real commitment. Because this is true for all of us, gentle reminders will always have a place of great value in our lives.
Let me tell you about the gentle reminder that has been resonating in my heart this week.
Just a gentle reminder: Always remember, God can do anything.
Of late too many of those I love dearly seem to be battling severely. Tragic losses, threatening illnesses, and terrifying news have created a tsunami of trouble, and the impact is devastating physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In moments like these, we fight to find stability and strength. We seek the path of obedience, understanding knowledge and commitment must be stirred anew in our hearts.
I have felt drawn to this familiar verse: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” (Ephesians 3:20, The Message). I love this verse, and I bet you do as well! It creates courage, confidence, and greatest of all, a capacity to believe that goes beyond every border.
Just a gentle reminder: Always remember, God can do anything.
Clearly, we are being called to do this!
In his article “Can God Do Anything?” Dr. Harold J. Sala writes, “ ‘Is there anything too hard for the Lord?’ Some three times, that question is asked in Scripture. But how would you answer it? Today we are faced with a quandary. Either we nod our heads and say, ‘Yes! God can do anything,’ unsure of whether we really believe this, or else we are confronted with empty hands and hearts, wondering why God didn't step in and reverse some troublesome situations confronting us.”
What gripping truth for us to consider! Dr. Sala goes on to suggest something that can and will change everything for us: “Making this intensely personal, why don’t you finish Paul’s statement; God is able to (and finish the sentence, describing your need).... Remember, you are limited only by what you ask Him, in accordance with His will to do, and what you visualize or imagine.”
These words challenge us but are also a perfect example of a gentle reminder. There is nothing new here, but when we practice this truth, we reap its benefits.
Always remember, God can do anything with anything. In His hands, nothing becomes something for anyone, anywhere. You simply cannot lose with Him, so it makes sense to lay everything down before Him.
Just a gentle reminder: Always remember, God can do anything.
