The Gift of Possible for Writers

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

What is impossible for mere humans is possible with God (Luke 18:27).

There are so many reasons camels couldn’t possibly walk through the eye of a needle. For one, they are clumsy and awkward. Even if the eye of the needle was the sizem of aedieval city gate, the gangly camel would have to be cajoled, pulled, and coaxed to make it through the opening. And then he would probably just stand there, impersonating a stubborn mule.

Camels also have this little problem called a hump. Their necks might fit through a gigantic Jack and the Giant-sized needle easily enough, but then how would their humps pass through without getting stuck?

Every camel I know, and I’ve known a few (my favorite was Sand-Bob, named by my four-year-old son), would rather squat in the sand and make rude noises from both ends than get going anyway. One look at a strange, shiny needle-eye would be a sure excuse to keep sitting and, shall we say, making music.

Camels don’t lift their feet very high either. Just barely enough to saunter through Sahara sands. And I have never seen one jump. One more reason a camel can’t possibly make it through the eye of a needle.

Jesus knew how ridiculously impossible this metaphor sounded to his camel-dependent listeners the day He used it to describe how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. They were gobsmacked. If those with wealth and connections couldn’t enter the kingdom of heaven, then who could?

He replied, “What is impossible for mere humans is possible for God.” 

Since we are entering the season of camels and wise men, perhaps we should pause today and consider what this metaphor might say to us.

I remember sitting shy and shell-shocked at my first writers’ conference, aware of how few connections I had. How little money I had to create an impressive website. How impossible it seemed to make time to write a book with three young children at home.

All I possessed, really, was fire in my bones and faith. These didn’t seem to be much under the dazzling lights of book tables lined with books written by accomplished, well-networked authors sitting all around me.

But my God does marvelous things with just a little faith.

Jesus gave the crowds a gift that day. He gave them the gift of Possible.

I hope the rich young man, sincere of heart but shackled by wealth, was not too far away to overhear. I hope he heard Jesus’ words penetrate the air, zipping like arrows to his ears. The true-story teller in me wants his story to end in hope.

It sure ends in hope for you and me. 

Jesus gives us the gift of Possible this Christmas and every day. 

What camel are you staring at right now? Stinky, rude, and impossible, he stands there, refusing to budge. You want to give up.

Maybe you just can’t seem to get around to writing that book. If you bring your impossible schedule to Jesus, He will open time where you didn’t know you had it.

What are you waiting on to attend your first writer’s conference? Ask God to build a network in your life and help you step outside your comfort zone to meet others in the industry.

Maybe physical pain or limitation makes your dream seem impossible. Authors like Joni Eareckson Tada and Vaneetha Rendall Risner have shown us that God makes writing possible against all odds.

Who, then, can be a writer? 

You and I can. For what is impossible with mere human effort is possible with God’s help.

Each time you see a camel this holiday season, remember the gift of Possible. It’s yours for the taking, with just a little faith. Merry Christmas!

Lord, I bring to you my impossible this Christmas season. Transform it and transform me. Amen.

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The Gift of Possible for Writers, encouragement from @AudreyCFrank on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Audrey Frank is an author, speaker, and storyteller. The stories she shares are brave and true. They give voice to those whose words are silenced by shame, the hard things in life that don’t make sense, and the losses that leave us wondering if we will survive. Audrey and her family have spent over twenty years living and working among different cultures and world views, and she has found that God’s story of redemption spans every geography and culture. He is the God of Instead, giving honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, hope instead of despair. Although she has three different degrees in communication and intercultural studies, Audrey’s greatest credential is that she is known and loved by the One who made her.

Audrey is the author of Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World (Harvest House Publishers), an outpouring of Audrey’s heart to introduce others to the God of Instead. Shame is not unique to the developing world, the plight of the women behind veils, young girls trafficked across borders; shame is lurking in hearts everywhere. Through powerful stories from women around the world, Covered Glory illuminates the power of the Gospel to remove shame, giving honor instead. Available at favorite booksellers: BARNES & NOBLE , BOOKS A MILLION, AMAZON.