With God, all things are possible or nothing is impossible

The Verse of the Day for July 11, 2022, comes from Jeremiah 32:17 in the New Living Translation:

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

This verse offers encouragement and assurance in the midst of the challenging times in which we live, times described as perilous or difficult to deal with, where the nation and the world seem to be entrapped in a tangled web of impossible situations.

The Verse of the Day also brings to mind two other scriptures that speak of the awesome power of God and His Word. Both say the same thing but in different ways, that nothing is too hard for God.  In one place in the Gospels, Jesus Christ states “. . . with God all things are possible.” In another place, the Word declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The Amplified Bible renders Luke 1:37 in this way:

For with God, nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

As I acknowledged that the two verses express the same concept but in different ways, I thought of a principle from Geometry: “Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.” These two verses also inspired this original psalm:

No Matter How You Phrase It

And Jesus looking upon them said,    

With men it is impossible, but not with God:    

for with God, all things are possible

Mark 10:27

For with God, nothing shall be impossible.                                                                                             

Luke 1:37

There is none like God who never fails to come through:

Whether you say “With God all things are possible”

Or say, “With God, nothing shall be impossible.”

No matter how you phrase it, the Word is still true.

As those who observe the times, we wisely surmise

That the Prince of Peace ascended to end all strife,

Leading captive even death to release new life,

Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise.

We boldly declare the Word of God and assert

The Providence of an all-wise Father who makes

Barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.

With the Word of Life, even death itself awakes.

We seek to walk in wisdom and number our days,

Humbly discerning that His ways are not our ways.

The line “Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise” brings to mind the verse which says, “God gives beauty for ashes.” Did you know that ashes under extreme heat and pressure form gemstones, and that diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and such come from ashes?  You see this when many of the volcanoes erupt, and when they settle and cool, you find beautiful gems at the base.  

In a similar way, watch God turn around what seems like a total disaster. No matter how challenging the situation may appear to be, He can turn it into a magnificent triumph.

The Verse of the Day and the accompanying poem reinforce a similar message that “Anything is Possible,” words also echoed in these vibrant lyrics offered by Bethel Music featuring Dante Bowe:

All things are possible–Nothing is impossible: Same difference

The Verse of the Day for July 11, 2020, comes from Jeremiah 32:17 in the New International Version:

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

This verse offers encouragement and assurance during the challenging times in which we live, times described as perilous or difficult to deal with, where the nation and the world seem to be entangled in impossible situations.

The Verse of the Day also brings to mind two other scriptures that speak of the awesome power of God and His Word. Both say the same thing but in different ways, that nothing is too hard for God. In one place in the Gospels, Jesus Christ states “. . . with God all things are possible.” In another place, the Word declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” The Amplified Bible renders Luke 1:37 in this way:

For with God, nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

As I acknowledged that the two verses express the same concept but in different ways, I thought of a principle from Geometry: “Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.” These two verses also inspired this poetic response:

No Matter How You Phrase It

And Jesus looking upon them said, With men, it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible
Mark 10:27

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

There is none like God who never fails to come through:
Whether you say “With God all things are possible”
Or say, “With God, nothing shall be impossible.”
No matter how you phrase it, the Word is still true.
As those who observe the times, we wisely surmise
That the Prince of Peace ascended to end all strife,
Leading captive even death to release new life,
Just as from ashes, beauty and splendor arise.
We boldly declare the Word of God and assert
The Providence of an all-wise Father who makes
Barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.
With the Word of Life, even death itself awakes.
We seek to walk in wisdom and number our days,
Humbly discerning that His ways are not our ways.

The line “Just as from ashes, beauty and splendor arise” brings to mind the verse which says, “God gives beauty for ashes.” Did you know that ashes under extreme heat and pressure form gemstones, and that diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and such come from ashes? You see this when many of the volcanoes erupt, and when they settle and cool, you find beautiful gems at the base. Similarly, watch God turn around what seems like a total disaster. No matter how challenging the situation may appear to be, He can turn it into a magnificent triumph.

In “No Matter How You Phrase It” we find a reference to another seemingly impossible situation whereby God “makes barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert” which also illustrates the amazing power of God expressed in another original psalm:

Barrenness

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth;
shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert.
The beast of the field shall honor me,
the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
These people have I formed for myself;
they shall show forth my praise.
Isaiah 43:19-21

We are waiting with our eyes fixed toward open skies
That we might behold the wonders of this new thing.
From parched, lifeless places now shall it spring forth,
As the Lord makes a highway in the wilderness.
Even in the wasteland, shall He give cool waters;
To bless and refresh with rivers in the desert.
He has formed us for Himself: for His good pleasure
He chose us and set us apart to show forth praise.
All things for His glory: even the barren womb
He has prepared to bring forth life-changing seed.
Declare the Word, and thus shall it most surely be:
No word of God spoken shall be void of power.
Speak the Word only and barrenness shall vanish,
And fertile ground shall bring forth fruit in due season.

The Verse of the Day and the two poems reinforce a similar message that “Nothing is impossible.” These words also inspired this vibrant song of praise by Planetshakers”:

Is anything too difficult? Nothing is too difficult

The Verse of the Day for July 11, 2018 comes from Jeremiah 32:17 in the Amplified Bible:

‘Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

The Verse of the Day is part of the prayer that Jeremiah prays to God prior to Israel’s going into captivity because of their rampant disobedience and blatant idolatry. Here are the opening words of that prayer recorded in Jeremiah 32:17-20

17 “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! 18 You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation’s sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. 19 You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. 20 You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day.

The prayer continues, and we find Verse 27 translated as a rhetorical question:

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?”

We find a similar question raised in the midst of another seemingly impossible situation in Genesis when the angel of the Lord visits Abraham, who happens to be 100 years old and Sarah, his barren wife, is well past the years of childbearing at 90:

Genesis 18: 13-14 (AMP):

13 And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh [to herself], saying, ‘Shall I really give birth [to a child] when I am so old?’ 14 Is anything too difficult or too wonderful for the LORD? At the appointed time, when the season [for her delivery] comes, I will return to you and Sarah will have a son.”

These two passages speak of the mind-boggling power of God: whether expressed as a bold statement: “Nothing is too difficult for you” or as a question: “Is there anything too difficult for the Lord?” both expressions come to the same conclusion: “Nothing is too hard for God!”

No matter how challenging the situation may appear to be, God can turn it into a magnificent triumph. No matter how lifeless and hopeless the circumstances we face may seem, God specializes in touching seemingly impossible situations, making “barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.” We see the amazing power of God illustrated in this way:

Barrenness

19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
20 The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall show forth my praise.

Isaiah 43:19-21

We are waiting with our eyes fixed toward open skies
That we might behold the wonders of this new thing.
From parched, lifeless places now shall it spring forth,
As God shall make a highway in the wilderness.
Even in the wasteland shall He give cool waters
To bless and refresh with rivers in the desert.
He has formed us for Himself: for His good pleasure
He chose us and set us apart to show forth praise.
All things for God’s glory: even the barren womb
He has prepared to bring forth life-changing seed.
We declare the Word and thus shall it most surely be:
No word of God spoken shall be void of power.
Speak the Word only and barrenness shall vanish,
And fertile ground shall bring forth fruit in due season.

The Verse of the Day and related verses and the poem all relate a similar message that “Nothing is too difficult for God.” The closing words of the Verse of the Day became the inspiration for one of the most popular songs of praise composed by Don Moen: “Ah, Lord God. . .” which reinforces that message.:

God does not need help

In keeping with the recently established tradition of the “Quote of the Day” rather than the “Verse of the Day, we would offer the “Quote of the Day” for November 26, 2016:

“God does not need help; all He needs is cooperation.”

So often when believers encounter challenging situations, we call upon the Lord in our times of great need in the midst of seemingly impossible situations. When the resolution of the difficulties that we face are not coming forth as quickly and in the way that we think they should, our tendency is to try and help God out. Another quote from an unknown author provides a similar reminder in the form of message from God:

“Good Morning. This is God. I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help, so relax, and have a great day!”

When we encounter overwhelming situations that we cannot handle ourselves, here is a verse of scripture and comments to remember:

Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV):

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

This particular verse brings to mind two scriptures that speak of the awesome power of God. Both say the same thing but in different ways, that nothing is too hard for God. In one place in the Gospels, Jesus Christ states “. . . with God all things are possible.” In another place, the Word declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” The Amplified Bible renders Luke 1:37 in this way:
For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

As we acknowledge that the two verses express the same concept but in different ways, a principle from Geometry comes to mind: “Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.” These two verses also inspired this poem:

No Matter How You Phrase It

And Jesus looking upon them said,
with men it is impossible, but not with God:
for with God all things are possible
Mark 10:27

For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37

There is none like God who never fails to come through:
Whether you say “With God all things are possible”
Or say “With God nothing shall be impossible.”
No matter how you phrase it, the Word is still true.
As those who observe the times, we wisely surmise
That the Prince of Peace ascended to end all strife,
Leading captive even death to release new life,
Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise.
We boldly declare the Word of God and assert
The Providence of an all-wise Father who makes
Barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.
With the Word of Life, even death itself awakes.
We seek to walk in wisdom and number our days,
Humbly discerning that your ways are not our ways.

The line “Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise” brings to mind the verse which says, “God gives beauty for ashes.” Did you know that ashes under extreme heat and pressure form gemstones, and that diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and such come from ashes? You see this with many of the volcanoes that erupt: when they settle and cool, you find beautiful gems at the base. In a similar way, watch God turn around what seems like a total disaster. No matter how challenging the situation may appear to be, He can turn it into a magnificent triumph. Some of the lyrics to an old gospel song remind us “He is God all by Himself/He needs no help from anybody else.”

The Quote of the Day and Jeremiah 32:17 both reinforce the message that “Nothing is too difficult for God.” That message is the inspiration for one of the most popular songs of praise composed by Don Moen: “Ah, Lord God. . .”

Nothing is too hard for you

In the Old Testament, Jeremiah prays to the Lord, and the Verse of the Day for July 11, 2016 is part of the prophet’s prayer for understanding:

Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV):

‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

Later in the same chapter the word of the Lord comes to Jeremiah in the form of a rhetorical question which is, in reality, a different expression of the statement from his prayer

Jeremiah 32:27 (NKJV)

 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

In actuality, this question is first raised in Genesis in the midst of a seemingly impossible situation whereby Abraham and Sarah are informed that they will produce a son, despite the fact that they are both well advanced in age, with Sarah “being past childbearing.” In response to the news, Sarah laughs as Genesis 18:14-15 (NKJV) notes:

³ And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

These particular verses also bring to mind other scriptures that speak of the awesome power of God. These verses say the same thing but in different ways, that nothing is too hard for God.  In one place in the Gospels, Jesus Christ states “. . . with God all things are possible.” In another place, the Word declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” The Amplified Bible renders Luke 1:37 in this way:

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

As I acknowledged that the two verses express the same concept but in different ways, I thought of a principle from Geometry: “Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.” These verses also inspired this poem:

No Matter How You Phrase It

And Jesus looking upon them said,   

With men it is impossible, but not with God:     

for with God all things are possible       

Mark 10:27

 

For with God nothing shall be impossible. 

Luke 1:37

 

 There is none like God who never fails to come through:

Whether you say “With God all things are possible”

Or say “With God nothing shall be impossible.”

No matter how you phrase it, the Word is still true.

As those who observe the times, we wisely surmise

That the Prince of Peace ascended to end all strife,

Leading captive even death to release new life.

Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise,

We boldly declare the Word of God and assert

The Providence of an all-wise Father who makes

Barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.

With the Word of Life, even death itself awakes.

We seek to walk in wisdom and number our days,

Humbly discerning that His ways are not our ways.

The line “Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise” brings to mind the verse which says, “God gives beauty for ashes.” Did you know that ashes under extreme heat and pressure form gemstones, and that diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and such come from ashes?  You see this with many of the volcanoes that erupt: when they settle and cool, you find beautiful gems at the base.  In a similar way, watch God turn what seems to be a total disaster into a magnificent triumph.

Presently our nation faces challenges that unfold in staggering proportions that seek to overwhelm and leave us physically and emotionally exhausted. Without question we are living in the last days, as, indeed, perilous times have come, times that are difficult to deal with. In the midst of such difficult days, we receive strength and encouragement from the Word of God that reminds us that “Nothing is too difficult for God.” The closing words of the Verse of the Day became the inspiration for one of the most popular songs of praise composed by Don Moen: “Ah, Lord God. . .” which reinforces that message.

 

Is anything too hard for the Lord?

The Verse of the Day for July 11, 2015 is found in Jeremiah 32:17 in the New Living Translation where the prophet makes this strong declaration, complete with exclamation mark:

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!

A similar expression is used in Jeremiah 32:27, but this time the prophet raises a question:

“I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?

This occurrence is not the first usage of anything being described as “too hard” for God. Biblical scholar EW Bullinger speaks of “The Law of First Mention” which points out that the first time a word is used in the Bible often provides greater understanding of the word in its initial usage which serves as a foundation for subsequent examination of the concept. In this case, we go back to Genesis 18:14 where the question is first raised:

Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

The context, of course, is God’s promise to Abraham that he would have a son through whom Israel and the nations of the world would be blessed. This promise was fulfilled when Abram (Abraham) was 100 years old and Sarai (Sarah) was about 90. Out of such a seemingly impossible situation, the question was first raised “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”

I recall the lyrics to a popular gospel song of the 1950s, “God Specializes”:

Got any rivers that you think are un-crossable?

Got any mountains that you cannot tunnel through?

God specializes in things called impossible

And He can do what no other power

(Holy Ghost power) can do.

The first time the question is raised “Is there anything too hard for God?” centers on the first of a number of occurrences of a woman who is past the age of childbearing and described as being “barren.” Here we find a seemingly impossible situation whereby God transforms a sterile environment into place of fruitfulness and “makes barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert” which also illustrates the amazing power of God expressed in this poem:

Barrenness

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth;

shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness,

and rivers in the desert.

The beast of the field shall honour me,

the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness,

and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

This people have I formed for myself;

they shall show forth my praise.

Isaiah 43:19-21

We are waiting with our eyes fixed toward open skies

That we might behold the wonders of this new thing.

From parched, lifeless places now shall it spring forth,

As you shall make a highway in the wilderness.

Even in the wasteland shall you give cool waters;

You bless and refresh with rivers in the desert.

You have formed us for yourself: for your good pleasure

You chose us and set us apart to show forth praise.

All things for your glory: even the barren womb

You have prepared to bring forth life-changing seed.

Declare the Word and thus shall it most surely be:

No word of God spoken shall be void of power.

Speak the Word only and barrenness shall vanish,

And fertile ground shall bring forth fruit in due season.

The discussion of the Verse of the Day and the accompanying lyrics and poem relate a similar message that “Nothing is too difficult for God.” The closing words of the Verse of the Day became the inspiration for one of the most popular songs of praise composed by Don Moen: “Ah, Lord God. . .” which reinforces that message.

No matter how you phrase it: Nothing is too difficult for God

The Verse of the Day for July 11, 2014 is found in Jeremiah 32:17 in the New International Version:

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

This particular verse brings to mind two scriptures that also speak of the awesome power of God. Both say the same thing but in different ways, that nothing is too hard for God. In one place in the Gospels, Jesus Christ states “. . . with God all things are possible.” In another place, the Word declares, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” The Amplified Bible renders Luke 1:37 in this way:

For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.

As I acknowledged that the two verses express the same concept but in different ways, I thought of a principle from Geometry: “Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.” These two verses also inspired this poem:

No Matter How You Phrase It

And Jesus looking upon them said,

With men it is impossible, but not with God:

for with God all things are possible

Mark 10:27

 

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 1:37

 

There is none like God who never fails to come through:

Whether you say “With God all things are possible”

Or say “With God nothing shall be impossible.”

No matter how you phrase it, the Word is still true.

As those who observe the times, we wisely surmise

That the Prince of Peace ascended to end all strife,

Leading captive even death to release new life,

Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise.

We boldly declare the Word of God and assert

The Providence of an all-wise Father who makes

Barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert.

With the Word of Life, even death itself awakes.

We seek to walk in wisdom and number our days,

Humbly discerning that His ways are not our ways.

 

The line “Just as from ashes beauty and splendor arise” brings to mind the verse which says, “God gives beauty for ashes.” Did you know that ashes under extreme heat and pressure form gemstones, and that diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and such come from ashes? You see this with many of the volcanoes that erupt: when they settle and cool, you find beautiful gems at the base. In a similar way, watch God turn around what seems like a total disaster. No matter how challenging the situation may appear to be, He can turn it into a magnificent triumph.

In “No Matter How You Phrase It” we find a reference to another seemingly impossible situation whereby God “makes barrenness to bloom with rivers in the desert” which also illustrates the amazing power of God expressed in another poem:

Barrenness

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth;

shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness,

and rivers in the desert.

The beast of the field shall honour me,

the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness,

and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.

This people have I formed for myself;

they shall show forth my praise.

Isaiah 43:19-21

I am waiting with my eyes fixed toward open skies

That I might behold the wonders of this new thing.

From parched, lifeless places now shall it spring forth,

As you shall make a highway in the wilderness.

Even in the wasteland shall you give cool waters;

You bless and refresh with rivers in the desert.

You have formed me for yourself: for your good pleasure

You chose me and set me apart to show forth praise.

All things for your glory: even the barren womb

You have prepared to bring forth life-changing seed.

Declare the Word and thus shall it most surely be:

No word of God spoken shall be void of power.

Speak the Word only and barrenness shall vanish,

And fertile ground shall bring forth fruit in due season.

 

The two poems relate a similar message that “Nothing is too difficult for God.” The closing words of the Verse of the Day became the inspiration for one of the most popular songs of praise composed by Don Moen: “Ah, Lord God. . .” which reinforces that message.