All Things Are Possible

We’ve all heard the amazing promise from the Bible when Jesus said, “…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) It’s a verse we often use concerning prayer. Yet, many do not know the amazing context and backstory of this statement.

The Bible records that a rich, young man came up to Jesus asking him what he must “do” to inherit eternal life. Jesus listed off several commandments and the young man replied that he has kept all of them. Then Jesus, knowing that this man’s wealth prevented him from giving all his life to God, told him to go and sell his possessions and give to the poor. The rich, young man was unwilling to do so and “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (vs. 22)

Jesus then turned to his disciples and said, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Why is it so difficult for those with wealth to follow Christ? The answer is obvious. The same thing that was true for the rich, young man 2,000 years ago remains true today. Those with riches feel they have so much to give up. This perspective is based upon these assumptions…

1. They don’t realize that all they have belongs to God and is on loan from Him.

2. They don’t remember that one day it’s all going away-- that the “stuff” of this world is only temporary.

3. They don’t consider all they gain in return for following Christ. As Jesus would say, the Kingdom of God is the “pearl of great price” (Matthew 13:46). It is far more valuable than any earthly riches.

4. They don’t recognize the potential for good and the eternal impact that may come from stewarding their financial blessings. The gratification gained from such generosity is much greater than any financial pleasure ever purchased.

In reality, this story in Matthew 19 is a story of any person who would withhold from God any single thing that stands in the way of fully following Him. God wants all of us- not just part of us, and not just most of us— all of us. This includes many things, but of course as in this story, it includes our money. By giving it to Him and laying it at His feet, we are then stewards to use it as pleases Him. This, of course, includes buying things we need, and even things we enjoy— but then being sure that we are also making substantial eternal investments (treasures in heaven) with the mindset that all we have is God’s and we will use the things he has blessed us with for His work and His glory. It means that we are willing to sacrifice, give up, or go without in order to make sure that God goes first in our lives.

In truth, the story of the rich, young ruler teaches us that if God doesn’t have our money, He doesn’t have our hearts… and therefore He doesn’t have our all.

So… after Jesus’ statement about the obstacle of wealth, the disciples were confounded and said, “Who then can be saved?” (vs. 25) This is when Jesus replied, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Jesus is stating that God can transform the human heart in such a way that those with much can give it away to Him. That they can come to see the value of the Kingdom of God and how earthly wealth pales in comparison. Through God’s supernatural work, people can trust Him with all their lives and He may be found faithful in return.

Yes-- with God all things are possible! Seemingly impossible prayer requests can be answered. Seemingly impossible people can be changed.