In the middle of his conversation with Mary, the angel Gabriel nonchalantly delivers a one-liner that is so loaded, yet so easy to gloss over: “Nothing will be impossible with God.” It is easy to dismiss the moment as if it were a bumper sticker or a lyric of a song you have heard a hundred times, but that would rob the statement of its unfathomable implications. Therefore, let’s take a moment to reflect on the principle behind the angel’s words.

Earlier in this week’s devotions we talked about Gabriel’s attending to humanity during pivotal moments in salvation history: first to Daniel (8:16; 9:21) and then to Zechariah and Mary. To an unbelieving Zechariah, he stressed the position of his office (an emphatic “I stand in the presence of God”) and maintained that his words would be “fulfilled in their time” (Luke 1:19). In the case of Daniel, this included the rise and fall of empires over hundreds of years, all the while effecting the will of God in history. To Zechariah and Mary, it included miraculous births that fulfilled prophecies spoken long ago in Israel’s history.

Thus, the will of God marches on throughout the ages, immovable and immutable. I am reminded of Job’s simple resignation after God answers his ignorance: “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2–3). Indeed, nothing is impossible with God, and no purpose of his can be upended.

Take a moment to read Luke 1:37 and consider how you can apply “nothing is impossible with God” to your personal challenges today.