Woman to Woman: Finding God's Possible in My Impossible

Are you an impossibility thinker or a possibility thinker? One of those ice breaker questions thrown out in a recent seminar piqued my interest.

As defined by the speaker, the impossibility thinker sees only problems, roadblocks, and risks. Normally perceived as naysayers, they quickly point out ample reasons why a new idea or specific change will not work.

For those fearful of change, clinging to a comfort zone mentality keeps them safe from potential failure and disappointment.

Though related to positive thinking, possibility thinking goes beyond a simple “I can make this happen” attitude. Creating the ability for creative problem solving, learning new skills, and increasing their knowledge; possibility thinkers embrace change readily.

Unafraid of change, possibility thinkers continually expand their comfort zone by challenging and stretching themselves.

While most people tend more towards one way of thinking most of the time, the speaker clearly noted we all employ both possibility and impossibility thinking. Interestingly, fear plays a huge role in pushing us one way or the other.

Fear of failure or disappointment locks you within rigid impossibility thinking, while fear of missing out, can move you towards facing the challenge with creative possibility thinking.

While I own both approaches to critical thinking, as a Christian, I curiously pondered possibility thinking walked out in faith using Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Walking through Philippians 4:8 allows us to see the possible in the impossible situations and relationships we face every day.

True Possibilities

“Think on things that are true.” When facing difficult circumstances, decisions, or changes, directing our minds towards the truth of God’s Word anchors us in God’s unchangeable character. His Word is truth (John 17:17)

Practice: When tempted to fear or impossibility thinking, reflect on the truth of God’s Word and ask Him to reveal His truth in your situation.

Noble Possibilities

“Think on things that are noble.” Pursuing a noble or just frame of mind prevents a critical and judgmental attitude of dismissal. Esteeming others (Philippians 2:3-4) forbearing others, and keeping an open mind (Colossians 3:12-17) positions us for new experiences.

Practice: Determine to see the possible in the impossible by responding to new ideas or changes with genuine curiosity and openness.

Right Possibilities

“Think on things that are right.” Reign in possibility thinking gone too far by filtering a new situation or relationship through God’s standards of righteous behavior. (Ephesians 4:24) Overactive possibility thinking often blurs the line between right and wrong.

Practice: Test your insistence for moving forward with a new idea or relationship with its compliance to the righteousness of God’s Word.

Pure Possibilities

“Think on things that are pure.” Pure thoughts encompass more than the avoidance of immoral fantasies. Thoughts centered on doubt, can reveal a lack of faith which displeases God. (Hebrews 11:1) Entertaining thoughts of complaint, discontent, or resentment likewise displays impure attitudes. (Philippians 2:14)

Practice: When you notice impossibility thinking, take your thoughts captive, ruthlessly rooting out negativity.

Lovely Possibilities

“Think on things that are lovely.” Lovely thoughts rarely accompany difficult paths or proposed changes in circumstances or relationships. Yet reflecting on God’s past faithfulness, especially during tribulation, diminishes fear and negativity. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

Practice: When faced with a reluctant attitude towards change in circumstance or relationships, journal about God’s past faithfulness with an attitude of gratitude.

Admirable Possibilities

“Think on things that are admirable.” When impossibility thinking blinds your faith with a problem only view, turn your eyes upon God, who always makes a way. (Isaiah 43:19)

Practice: Shift your mindset from one of fear to faith by feasting your thoughts on God’s merciful kindness and provision.

Excellent Possibilities

“Think on things that are excellent.” Rather than a mindset of discouragement over change in circumstance or difficulty in relationship, consider the merits and strengths of the possibilities. Remember God’s grace provides sufficiency for every trial and weakness. (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Practice: Intentionally form either a mental or physical list of all the merits and strengths of the situation before you.

Excellent Praise

“Think on things that are praiseworthy.” Receiving all things from God’s sovereign hands with gracious gratitude prevents negative impossibility thinking. Reflecting on God’s greatness and goodness towards you opens your heart and mind to His possibilities in every situation. (Psalm 145:3)

Practice: Send negativity and complaining packing with time in praise and worship from a heart of gratitude for God’s steadfast love for you.

Though the speaker shared some great practical advice for overcoming the entrenched habit of impossibility thinking, true victory comes through faith in the God of the impossible. Taking negative thoughts captive and subjecting them to the wisdom of Philippians 4:8 frees us from fear, grounds us in faith, and positions us for a life of abundant possibilities in Christ.

Reflection:

Are you more of an impossibility thinker or a possibility thinker?

Which area needs the most work to shift to a more possibility mindset?