With God All Things Are Possible
A familiar line of encouragement turns out, in its own setting, to be about something harder than success.
The phrase travels well. “With God all things are possible” lands on album sleeves, in speeches, and in private prayers. When gospel artist Marvin Sapp announced a new distribution deal this year, he called it a “reminder that—as the scripture says—with God all things are possible.” People reach for the words when a door opens that once looked shut.
The words come from Matthew 19. Read them where they sit, and they are heavier than they sound.
A rich man has just walked away from Jesus, unwilling to part with his wealth. Jesus tells the disciples how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. They are shaken. “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
So the promise is not first about doors opening in a career or a calling. It is about salvation, the one thing no one can secure for themselves. The impossible thing is being saved. God does it.
Hold both readings this week. Thank God for the open door, if one has opened. Then sit with the older, larger claim underneath it, and let it do its slower work.
Sources
- UK Christians Question Using the Term Christian Nationalism — Christianity Today
- Jay-Z’s Foray into Gospel Music Met with Skepticism — Christianity Today
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