When someone says to you, “It’s possible,” what comes to your mind?
Does it go something like this, “It could happen…but it’s not likely”?
When God began speaking to me about 2026 being a year of possibilities, it brought a sigh, rather than an exclamation, from me. I thought of longstanding relationship difficulties and the stubborn physical ailments of my life.
With the English word, the full meaning of possible refers to anything that can exist, happen, be done, or be true, representing a potential outcome rather than a certainty. It indicates something is feasible or capable under certain conditions — even if it’s unlikely. Essentially, it covers the entire scope of anything that is achievable or believable, from the highly probable to the extremely remote. It’s almost like the word “maybe.”
However, when I searched for the word “possible” in the Bible, I came across something quite different from our English understanding of the word. I discovered the Greek word dynata, which is translated powerful, mighty, able, as well as possible. It comes from the word dunamai meaning powerful or capable and sheds a whole new light on the meaning of “a year of possibilities!”
This word is used when Jesus declared, “What is impossible with man is possible (dynata) with God.” This was His response when the disciples queried, “Who then can be saved?” when they were astonished at His words, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, and Luke 18:27)
When a man sought deliverance for his epileptic son, he begged, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” “’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible (dynata) for the one who believes.” (Mark 9:22b, 23)
And this is said of Abraham, “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power (dynata) to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:20-21)
What is our response to God when presented with a promise that seems impossible? Is it like Abraham’s unwavering faith or more like the epileptic son’s father, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us”?
I think our response could be,“I do believe! Help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) as it was with the father of the epileptic son. As a follower of Jesus, we do have faith, albeit small at times. Even though it may be mixed with times of unbelief, if acknowledged, it will still be met with God’s power. He loves our faith, no matter the size, as it is the basis of our relationship with Him. Rather than diminishing and demoralizing our faith, He builds it up. Let’s not put down what God esteems so highly — our faith! Even if it is mustard-seed size.
Key Thought: Everything is possible for one who believes.
~ Janet Mueller
Photo by Chang Ye on Unsplash
