In Genesis 18 God meets with Abraham and tells him that he will have a son within a year, even though Sarah is beyond childbearing age. Hearing God’s promise Sarah laughs in doubt. But God doesn’t think this is a laughing matter. He is serious about finally providing them with their promised child. In a remarkable exchange with Abraham regarding Sarah’s unbelief, God asks Abraham.
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? ”” (Ge 18:14a)
The answer to God’s question is important not only for Abraham but us as well. God’s ability to fulfill His promise to Abraham either confirms or denies His power and abilities. Power and abilities we place our hope in today. For if God can’t provide a child to a childless woman beyond childbearing age, how could He ever raise us from the grave, provide us with a glorified body, and return the world to an Edenic state?
How do we know nothing is too hard for God?
Think about who our God is for a moment.
He is our Creator
Genesis 1 tells us that God created everything that you see, including you and me. The way God creates is much different than how we create. God doesn’t need raw materials or tools. He doesn’t have to set up a factory or an assembly line. Instead, God is able to create something from nothing just by speaking.
Imagine being able to say I want a new car, and there is one in the garage. Or I would like my dream home, and there it is. Or I want the next, next iPhone, and it is right there in your pocket. Imagine being able to create something from nothing, just by speaking, like God does.
In case you are wondering, we know this is how God creates because we have Genesis chapter 1. As you work through that chapter, you see the constant refrain, “And God said,”; “And God said”. Over and over again, we read those words before we read of something else He created. As we do, we are reminded of just how powerful our God is.
He is our Sustainer
Jesus, who is God, does the impossible task of holding everything together. Paul in Colossians 1:17 confirms this when he says,
“And he is before all things [speaking of Jesus], and in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:17)
You see, the reason the universe functions as it does. The reason everything doesn’t spin out of control. The reason we don’t cease to exist is because God is sustaining it all. Every atom, every particle is sustained by God.
He is our Healer
Lepers, blind men, those who are lame and deaf, those who are dying or dead, Jesus healed them all. Doing what is impossible just by a touch or word.
He is our Savior
The way that God saves is contrary to how we might imagine someone saving us. God doesn’t use political or military might. He doesn’t use money or technology. Instead, He uses a dying Messiah. Something that, if we are honest with ourselves, doesn’t make much sense.
But with God, that which seems foolish is actually wise. Consider what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 about God’s wisdom in using a crucified Messiah,
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Co 1:22–25)
So our God not only creates, sustains, and heals, but He also saves. He does so in a way that reveals His wisdom and might.
Nothing is Impossible with God
When you consider all these things, I think it is safe to say that nothing is impossible for God. If God wants Sarah to have a baby, even if it is physiologically impossible for her to have one, then she is going to have one. Likewise, if God wants to heal us of a disease, extend our life a few more years, provide us with a job, spouse, or child, then it’s going to happen.
We shouldn’t doubt His abilities. Instead, we should trust God to do the impossible in our lives, in our families, in our community, and in our nation. Nothing is too hard for God!
Questions for Reflection
- Do you believe God can do the impossible?
- How should our knowledge that God can do the impossible affect the way we live?
Resources
Posted adapted from my sermon: Is There Anything that is Too Hard for God? which you can listen to here.
Christianity Matters 
Great post! The answer to the question is clearly no; nothing’s too hard for good. A Christian’s assurance lies in the face that, as Paul noted in 2 Corinthian 12, when we’re weak he’s strong. Be it a ‘thorn in your side’, a midnight hour situation (like Paul and Silas in Acts 16), or some other storm, it ain’t over until God says it’s over. The hard battle isn’t your’s, it’s the Lords. Through his power we’re empowered.
That is true! In all situations the Lord is there and He will empower us. He truly is the One battling for us.
Reblogged this on 66 Assurance Way and commented:
Nothing’s too hard for God. Through his power we’re empowered. Through his power we endure our trials. At the root of Christian Assurance is God’s ability to tackle hard, seemingly impossible tasks.
Good stuff, brother. Not even time is a hindrance to the mighty power of God. I have seen God answer prayer that should the realities of time been a factor, the need would have never been met. Yet, God already knew what we needed before we ever prayed and already had the process of the answer underway! Nothing is too hard for God.
Anthony,
Thanks! Thanks for sharing how you have seen God’s power displayed. Good stuff!
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