It's Possible
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.
- Matthew 19:26
In this passage, Jesus just finished a conversation with a wealthy young man. The young man asked Jesus how he could be saved, and Jesus rehearsed the commandments to him: don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t lie, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself (vv. 18-19).
The young man felt that he was doing all of those things, so he must be in right standing with God. But then Jesus said to him, “…If you would be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow Me.” (v. 21) The young man wasn’t willing to do that, because he had accumulated a lot of expensive things.
Jesus had no problem with the man’s wealth, but He was interested in the condition of his heart. Having an abundance of material possessions and even doing good things with them does not equate to eternal salvation. This young man turned away from an offer to follow Jesus because his trust was not in Jesus, but in his own possessions. Jesus then pointed out that it was difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God because of their tendency to put their faith in their riches instead of having faith in God. But He followed that by saying what is impossible with men is possible with God.
This is similar to the language the angel used when bringing Mary the news that she had been chosen to bring the Savior into the world. Luke 1:37 says, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”
It doesn’t matter what situation you face or what obstacle stands in your way. It makes no difference how bad it has been or how long it has been in that condition. Mountains can be moved. Relationships can be restored. Hearts can be healed. But you must trust in God instead of in something or someone else.
Have you ever faced impossibility? Perhaps the bills have mounted up and there is no way to pay them in a lifetime of labor. The doctor may have looked at you and said, “You have to die and cannot live.” A trusted friend, family member or even a spouse may have walked out on you with the intent of never returning. The sudden and unexpected death of a loved one may have left you devastated. You may have even admitted, “It’s impossible.”
It may seem strange to hear this, but when you come to that point, you are positioned to receive a miracle, if you will only trust the One who wants to bless you beyond your expectation. When you step aside, God will step in. When you take your hands off a situation, God will place His hand on it. Before you go under, allow God to take over by calling upon Him in faith. Men may say it’s impossible. But with God, all things are possible.
Lord, thank You for Your abundant, abounding grace. Thank You that we don't have to earn a drop of the mighty river of grace that flows freely for us today. Thank You for the unexpected, unmerited favor You've showered on my life. Help me put myself in the path of Your love and grace. Help me not neglect the disciplines I need to meet with You regularly and to drink from the water of life. Thank You for your rich love. Amen.
Further Reading
- Matthew 19:26
- Luke 1:37
- 2 Chronicles 30:7
