Many people find themselves facing impossible things. They wonder, is there any hope for my impossible circumstances? When people come to you with impossible situations, what do you offer them? I would say, I do not offer good advice. Even if people are looking for answers, which often they are, that is not what they really need. People need hope! They are facing impossible circumstances. They do not need something to do or fix, they need hope, they need a miracle. They need hope that the impossible is possible. Hope is a person; His name is Jesus! Col. 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Jesus addresses this very issue in the gospel account of Matthew. A rich man came to Jesus asking what he need to do to obtain eternal life. Everyone comes with questions wanting answers. The rich man asked Jesus “what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” 17 And Jesus said, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 Then the rich man said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “You shall not commit murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19 Honor your father and mother; and You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In verse 20 The rich man said to Jesus, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 25 When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26 And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

When facing the impossible our first responds should be to ask Jesus “what are you up to?” How often have you felt overwhelmed by the circumstances of life? The disciples were also, astonished. Have you ever felt that way? You may have even felt that God has blessed others but not you. Jesus “looked at them”- He knew their feelings and heard their thoughts, they were stunned. They believed, “This is impossible!” There is no way out. What can we do now? If there is no hope for us?

When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances what should you do? What can you do? Have you viewed your difficulties like mountains? Unable to scale them. It is at times like these we are tempted to believe we are on our own and all alone. Jesus reminds us; “With people this is impossible…” For you to handle it yourself, it is impossible. Jesus agrees, if it was up to you to solve the problem, it is impossible. How often have you been misled by thinking you can solve your problems?

God reminds us we are never alone, and therefore nothing is impossible as we participate with Him. Our need is His opportunity. God invites us to face insurmountable tasks with Him. God allows trials to press us…that we might learn to trust Him. Nothing is too difficult for Him. “With God all things are possible.” By faith, our receptivity of God’s activity, we are assured that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Phil. 4:13). JESUS is our strength (I Tim. 1:12).