In Matthew 19:26, Jesus declares, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” These words, spoken to His disciples, are more than a simple statement—they are a profound invitation to trust in a God who specializes in the impossible. Whether we are facing overwhelming challenges, seeking spiritual renewal, or simply longing for hope, this verse reminds us that God’s power knows no limits. It calls us to anchor our faith in Him and to believe that He can work miracles in every area of our lives. Let us reflect on the depth of this truth and its transformative implications.
Matthew 19:26 The New International Version
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The Context of Matthew 19:26
To fully appreciate the power of this verse, we must first understand its context. In Matthew 19, Jesus has an encounter with the rich young ruler—a man who earnestly desires eternal life but is unwilling to part with his wealth to follow Christ. After the man walks away sorrowfully, Jesus remarks on the difficulty for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of heaven, leading His disciples to ask in astonishment, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus responds with these timeless words: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
This exchange highlights a crucial truth: salvation is not something we can achieve through human effort or merit. It is a miraculous gift from God, made possible only through His grace and power. Just as salvation defies human ability, so too do many aspects of our lives where we encounter God’s miraculous intervention. The verse reminds us that what seems impossible to us is entirely within God’s capability.
The Nature of Miracles
A miracle is an extraordinary act of God that transcends natural laws and human understanding. Throughout Scripture, miracles serve as powerful demonstrations of God’s sovereignty and compassion. They reveal His character and remind us that nothing is beyond His reach.
- Miracles in the Old Testament: From parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14) to providing manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), God’s interventions displayed His faithfulness to His people.
- Miracles in Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus healed the sick (Luke 8:43-48), calmed storms (Mark 4:39), fed thousands with just a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21), and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11). These acts were not mere displays of power but signs pointing to His divine identity and mission.
Yet miracles are not limited to grand events. They also occur in subtle but profound ways—through transformed hearts, answered prayers, and moments of divine peace. As Psalm 77:14 proclaims, “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”
Jesus: The Ultimate Miracle Worker
Jesus Christ embodies the miraculous nature of God. As fully God and fully man, He bridged the gap between heaven and earth, revealing God’s power and love through His life, death, and resurrection.
- Healing Power: Jesus restored sight to the blind, cleansed lepers, and healed those suffering from chronic illnesses. Each healing was an act of compassion that pointed to His authority over sickness.
- Power Over Nature: When Jesus calmed storms or walked on water (Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 14:25-27), He demonstrated control over creation itself.
- Victory Over Death: The resurrection of Lazarus (John 11) and Jesus’ own resurrection are ultimate testaments to His power over life and death.
These miracles were not random acts; they were signs of God’s kingdom breaking into our world—a foretaste of the restoration and wholeness that await us in eternity.
Miracles in Our Lives Today
While biblical miracles may seem distant from our modern experiences, God’s miraculous power is still at work today. We see evidence of His hand in countless ways:
- Answered Prayers
When we bring our needs before God with faith, He often responds in ways that exceed our expectations—whether through provision, healing, or guidance. - Transformation of Hearts
The miracle of salvation—the transformation of a sinner into a new creation—is one of the greatest ongoing miracles (2 Corinthians 5:17). Lives changed by Christ testify to His power. - Everyday Provisions
From unexpected financial blessings to divine protection during trials, God provides for His children in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. - Healing and Restoration
While not every illness or struggle ends with physical healing, many experience miraculous recoveries or an unexplainable peace that surpasses understanding.
These moments remind us that God is intimately involved in our lives—working behind the scenes even when we cannot see it.
Faith is the Key to Experiencing Miracles
Faith plays a central role in experiencing God’s miraculous power. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells His disciples that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Faith does not demand specific outcomes but trusts in God’s wisdom and timing. It involves surrendering our fears and limitations to Him while believing that He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
At times, faith requires patience and perseverance. Not every prayer is answered immediately or in the way we expect. Yet even in waiting, we can trust that God is working for our good (Romans 8:28). Faith invites us to see beyond our circumstances and rest in the assurance that nothing is impossible for Him.
Encouragement for Today
If you are facing an “impossible” situation—a broken relationship, financial hardship, health crisis, or spiritual struggle—take heart in knowing that nothing is too difficult for God. Here are some steps to anchor your faith:
- Meditate on Scripture
Reflect on verses like Matthew 19:26 (“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”) and Jeremiah 32:17 (“Nothing is too hard for you”). - Pray Boldly
Bring your needs before God with confidence that He hears you and has the power to intervene. - Trust His Timing
Surrender your desires to God’s will, knowing that His plans are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). - Celebrate Small Miracles
Recognize God’s hand in everyday blessings and answer prayers as evidence of His faithfulness.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: The Supernatural: Experiencing the Divine Beyond the Natural
Quote of the Day: “Nothing is Impossible for God” A Reflection of Faith and Hope
Conclusion
The declaration in Matthew 19:26—“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”—is more than an inspiring statement; it is an invitation to trust in a God who performs miracles both great and small. Whether you need physical healing, emotional restoration, or spiritual renewal, take heart knowing that nothing is beyond His power.
As you navigate life’s challenges today:
- Trust Him with your impossibilities.
- Believe that He can turn them into testimonies.
- Rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for your good.
The same God who parted seas and raised the dead is at work in your life today—ready to do what only He can do!
Scripture Reading for the Day
Proverbs 13 The New International Version
1A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.4 A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.5 The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked make themselves a stench
and bring shame on themselves.6 Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.8 A person’s riches may ransom their life,
but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.11 Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.13 Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.15 Good judgment wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.[a]16 All who are prudent act with[b] knowledge,
but fools expose their folly.17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.19 A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.20 Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.21 Trouble pursues the sinner,
but the righteous are rewarded with good things.22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.23 An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
but injustice sweeps it away.24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.25 The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
