“But with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
We were recently discussing the Book of Exodus in my Sunday School class. We were at the part where Moses went to Pharaoh and told him to let God’s people go. Pharaoh refused. He probably knew of the God of the Israelites, but the Egyptians had many gods.
He counted their God out.
It turned out to be a huge mistake on his part. There were plagues and death and God showed up for His people in a huge way. Pharaoh did in fact, let the Israelites go.
A few day’s later, I was reading a daily devotion on Esther. It pointed out that God is not even mentioned in the book and there was evil everywhere. Yet, God was at work for His people even when they couldn’t see Him. The evil Haman, counted God and His love for His people, out, just as Pharaoh had generations before.
It turned out to be a huge mistake that ended up costing him his life.
Last weekend, I came across an article on a new movie called, “I Can Only Imagine,” that made me think of both Moses and Esther.
The movie is based on the song of the same name, by the Christian group, Mercy Me. When it was released, it became the most played contemporary Christian song of all time.
The movie is about a boy who grows up with an abusive father. But, it’s about the redemption that comes from knowing God. It’s core is the premise that God can redeem any situation for good. There really are no exceptions.
The critics hated it. Metacritic gave it 27 out of 100. Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it 5.7 out of 10 or 63%. It was expected to make between $2 and $4 million on its opening weekend.
Once again, they counted God out. Once again, it was a mistake.
After making $6.2 million on its first day, estimates were increased to $14 million. It ended up making $17.1 million opening weekend. The average reviewers, (people who went and saw the movie) on Rotten Tomatoes, gave it a 4.8 out of 5, of or 96%. The film received a rare A+ Cinema Score.
As I read the story, I just had to smile. An independent film company made a film that tells the story of hope and forgiveness that glorifies God. The mainstream media critics snubbed it. But, people came out in droves to see it.
Why? How could the “people in the know,” be wrong?
They counted God out.
It frankly comes as no surprise to me that people are thirsting for a story of hope and redemption. Don’t we all need that in our lives?
The success of, “I Can Only Imagine,” is a tangible reminder that all things are possible with God and we should never count Him out. Perhaps you needed reminding today.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂