“I am sorry, but what you are requesting is not possible.” I watched as the Afghan father in my principal’s office showed shock at my answer. “Not possible?” he repeated.

Early on in my time in Central Asia I learned that no did not mean no like I was used to in my culture. Leading a K-12 American school in a Third World country was challenging on so many levels and having the same conversation on more than one occasion to get my message across was frustrating and time-consuming. So I created my own not possible response when needed to end the bartering or repeat request routine.

I took seriously my answers as a Christian academic leader. I only wanted to say yes when I was certain I could follow through for all who might want the same favor or ruling on school policies. In the bribery, favoritism, inshallah (if Allah wills it) culture I lived in for seven years there was no guarantee of receiving what is seemingly promised. I wanted to represent my faith and my Western culture well.

Generally, my Muslim neighbors hoped they achieved enough good works to merit eternal favor, or answers to prayers, but they did not believe Allah was personal, involved with daily life. They had no divine Son/Savior to trust in as the fulfillment of all God’s promises to man. They had no Holy Spirit to dwell within each Believer to give Godly wisdom, encouragement, and power. 

Christians can trust God and his promises because His faithfulness is documented from Genesis to Revelation. His commands don’t change and for those who are willing to submit to His ways, the benefits are real in a God-connected, satisfying journey on earth continued into heaven. Not every prayer seems ‘yes’ in our human perspective, but His care and character continue if we hunt for the evidence. 

We ask, we seek, and discover what is possible, not with man, but with Almighty God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Everlasting Father, Provider for his people, now and forevermore. Yes. Amen.