How does Matthew 19:26 encourage faith in God's limitless power in challenges? setting the scene • The rich young ruler had just walked away sorrowful (Matthew 19:16-22). • Jesus then stunned His disciples by saying it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom (vv. 23-24). • Shocked, they blurted out, “Who then can be saved?” (v. 25). • Into that moment of human helplessness Jesus declared: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) the core truth in one sentence What people cannot do—whether saving their own souls or overcoming life’s hardest obstacles—God can do, because His power knows no limits. seeing God’s limitless power in the verse • “With man” sets a boundary: human resources, intellect, wealth, and effort reach a ceiling. • “This is impossible” is absolute; it singles out situations utterly beyond us. • “But with God” shifts the focus to the One whose ability is wholly other. • “All things are possible” throws the doors wide open; nothing lies outside His capacity. scripture cross-references that reinforce the message • Jeremiah 32:27 — “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” • Luke 1:37 — “For nothing will be impossible with God.” • Ephesians 3:20 — He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” • Genesis 18:14 — “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” spoken over what seemed biologically impossible. • 2 Chronicles 20:6 — “In Your hand are power and might, and no one can stand against You.” the verse applied to personal challenges • Salvation: The greatest impossibility—human beings rescuing themselves from sin—is solved entirely by God’s power and grace. • Chronic problems: Addictions, lingering illnesses, financial dead ends all sit under the phrase “impossible with man.” • Relationships: Estranged families and hardened hearts are not beyond the reach of “all things are possible.” • Calling and service: When God asks for obedience that feels beyond gifting or strength, Matthew 19:26 reminds us His ability fills the gap. practical reminders when facing the impossible • Identify the “with man” limits—name exactly why the situation is impossible for you. • Shift the gaze—deliberately place the circumstance under “with God.” • Speak the promise—repeat the verse out loud; declare its truth over the need. • Trace past victories—recall personal and biblical examples where God shattered limitations (Exodus 14; Daniel 3). • Rest, then act—confidence in God’s power fuels obedient steps rather than frantic striving. closing thoughts Matthew 19:26 lifts the eyes from self-effort to divine omnipotence. Each challenge becomes a fresh stage for God to display that nothing—absolutely nothing—ties His hands. |
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