Easy for Him

For thus says the LORD, ‘You shall not see wind or rain, but that streambed shall be filled with water, so that you shall drink, you, your livestock, and your animals.’ This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD. 2 Kings 3:17-18

A couple years ago, I was weightlifting with a buddy, going for a maximum lift – finding the upper limit of weight I could put on a bar and still lift it off the floor. Each time I added weight, and it became more difficult for me, my buddy would come over, pick up the bar, and lift it effortlessly over his head. Eventually, I added enough weight so that it got to the point where I could no longer lift it off the ground. I was done. Once again though, he came over and easily lifted the bar over his head. What was impossible for me, was light for him. I was a little annoyed.

This though, is an apt image of our relationship with God, which is illustrated in today’s passage. In the story, the kings of Israel and Judah found themselves stranded in the middle of a military campaign in a desert with no water. They inquired of the prophet Elisha, seeking God’s help. Elisha informed them that God would miraculously fill the nearby dried-up stream bed with water for their armies. Sensing their disbelief, Elisha informed them that though this seemed impossible to them – they were in a desert with no rain clouds in sight – this was an easy thing for God.

I’ve had to remind myself of this several times recently. As I’ve been reading the Bible, I’ve found myself questioning some of the details presented. At those times of doubt, I’ve had to remind myself that if God created the universe, small miracles are easy for him.

There’s a much more personal application of this principal though. Daily, I’m presented with a choice – to pursue the life I think I want, or to pursue the life God wants for me. My problem is that deep down, I still see God as a giant killjoy. I think that if I want to experience all life has to offer, that I must go my own way. I just don’t see how abandoning my way gets me to the life I truly want. That seems paradoxical and impossible. What is impossible to me though, is easy for God. He knows that in following myself, I create my own misery, and he knows that only in abandoning myself and following him do I find the life, joy, and peace that I truly desire. So, the question today is – Do I believe God can do what he says? Thankfully, that which seems impossible to me, is easy for God.