The Impossible: Trusting God's Unlimited Power
When we encounter situations that seem beyond human capability, we must remember that our God operates without limitations. What appears impossible to us is entirely within His divine power and sovereign control. Understanding this truth transforms our perspective from despair to hope, from doubt to faith, and from fear to confidence in the One who can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.
God's Faithfulness to His Promises
As promised in His Word, what God has said, He will do, for it is impossible for Him to lie (Gen 21:1; Num 23:19; Tit 1:2). Is anything too hard for God? (Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17,27). Every promise of God will come true (2 Cor 1:20). Confidence in God is being sure He will do whatever He says even though it defies human logic and understanding (Rom 4:20-21; Heb 11:11). "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Mt 17:20; Heb 11:6). He requires steadfastness of spirit, uprightness of life and character from us, together with courage to do what we can by taking advantage of the opportunities that come.
God's track record demonstrates His reliability throughout history. From the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, to the parting of the Red Sea, to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God has consistently proven that nothing is too difficult for Him. When we face our own impossible circumstances, we can stand on the foundation of His unchanging nature and His proven faithfulness to previous generations. His character does not shift with our circumstances or our understanding of His ways.
However, we must recognize that God doesn't always demonstrate His power to prove what He can do. He is not in the business of performing miracles on demand or providing spectacular displays simply to satisfy human curiosity or doubt. His decisions to intervene supernaturally are always aligned with His greater purposes, His timing, and His wisdom. Sometimes He chooses to work through ordinary means, through perseverance, or through the gradual unfolding of events rather than dramatic, instant solutions.
Divine wisdom is always manifest. A visible display sometimes
This reality challenges us to trust in God's character rather than demanding evidence of His capability. When Jesus was tempted to throw Himself down from the temple to prove God's protection, He refused, stating that we should not put the Lord our God to the test (Mt 4:5-7). Similarly, Elijah witnessed God's power not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kgs 19:11-13). God often works in quiet, unseen ways that require faith to perceive. His silence or the absence of dramatic intervention does not indicate weakness—it reflects His sovereign choice to accomplish His purposes through means that may not align with our expectations or desires for immediate, visible proof.
Moreover, God's restraint in constantly displaying His power serves important spiritual purposes. It cultivates genuine faith that trusts Him without requiring constant confirmation. It prevents us from becoming dependent on signs and wonders rather than developing a deeper relationship with Him. Furthermore, it also allows room for human responsibility, growth through perseverance, and the development of character that comes from walking through difficulties with God rather than having every problem instantly removed. The absence of visible miracles does not mean God is absent or unable—it often means He is working in deeper, more transformative ways that may not be immediately apparent to our temporal perspective.
Confronting the Impossible with Faith
Don't be defeated by what seems too hard for difficult is not synonymous with impossible. Tackle the big jobs in small segments. David was able to defeat Goliath because he relied on God's help. Having already killed a lion and bear in the past he could now confidently take on a bigger spiritual enemy. Our testimony should be, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" (Phil 4:13).
What is impossible with limited human strength alone is an opportunity for God to show His power such as when He used just 300 men, obedient to His strategy, to defeat a vast enemy army (Jdg 7:7, 8:10). When we acknowledge our limitations and surrender them to God, we create space for His unlimited power to work through us. This principle of dependence rather than self-reliance opens the door for supernatural intervention that brings glory to His name.
When faced with an impossible situation focus on God, His love, purposes and promises, rather than centering your attention and emotional energy on the problem that is against you. In expectancy, as you start to praise Him, true perspective is gained and this gives Him the opportunity to work in a greater measure on your behalf.
Doubt limits, faith believes
A lack of faith in God's ability hinders Him working (Mt 13:58; Mk 6:5-6). When we doubt, we essentially limit what God can do in our lives and circumstances. Faith, conversely, releases His power to work in ways that transcend natural explanations. This doesn't mean we deny reality or ignore challenges, but rather that we view them through the lens of God's unlimited capability and His good purposes for our lives.
God's Unlimited Power and Grace
God won't ask you to do anything that you and He together can't handle. Don't limit God by assuming something is not possible. What is impossible with man is possible with God who is all-powerful (omnipotent) and able to arrange the situations to fulfill His purposes (Lk 1:37, 18:27). It is impossible to be separated from God's love (Rom 8:35-39). Although difficult, it is not impossible for a wealthy person to humble themselves before God and acknowledge their money can't buy salvation, for it is only through the grace of God (by applying the blood of Christ) we are able to enter heaven (Mt 19:23-24; Jn 14:6; Act 4:12; Eph 2:8-9; Heb 10:4).
Without the Holy Spirit's help, it is impossible to live a holy life. The Christian life was never intended to be lived in our own strength or through sheer willpower. God provides His Holy Spirit to empower us, guide us, and transform us from the inside out. This divine enablement makes possible what would otherwise be completely beyond our natural capacity—living a life that reflects God's holiness and character in a world that often opposes both.
Reflection and Application:
- Identify a current situation that seems impossible and bring it before God with renewed faith and expectation.
- Reflect on past instances where God has demonstrated His power and faithfulness in your life or in Scripture.
- Consider what God might be asking you to do in faith, even though it seems beyond your natural ability.
- Replace doubt and fear with praise and thanksgiving, focusing on God's character rather than the size of your challenge.
See also: belief, doubts, faith, omnipotent, possible, unbelief.