What’s Possible When Facing the Impossible

Giselle Timbie
Sep 8, 2018 · 3 min read

Are you facing an impossible situation? I look back over my life in amazement at all the times there were seemingly no solutions, no resources, no way through; only to find that there was actually a door in what I thought was a wall.

Everyone’s impossible situation feels unique to them. There occurred a fascinating story during the ministry of Jesus that, although we will never face this same situation, gives us great insight into dealing with the impossible, no matter the specific circumstances.

You may know this incident as the Feeding of the 5,000 or Feeding the Multitudes. The second title is probably more appropriate because adding women and children to the 5,000 men, the crowd more likely numbered 15–20 thousand…all of them hungry. With no money available, no sources of food nearby, and the massive assignment Jesus tasked the disciples with (give them something to eat); this was clearly an impossible situation.

There are two questions asked and one statement made in the telling of the story that give us a powerful principle to apply to our own lives and situations. The first question was asked by Jesus: “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”

There was no good answer. It was an impossible scenario. Twelve poor men providing for 20,000 people. Where would there even be a place to get those kinds of supplies even if they had the money to do so? Jesus’ disciples didn’t have to take the time to come up with proposals or calculate the possibilities. This was a wall.

Jesus suggested that the disciples scout out the crowd and see what they could find that might provide for all. Having done that, the result was bleak…2 fish and 5 small loaves of bread. With the reality of what they were facing clearly evident, Andrew asked the second question: “How far will they go among so many?” It was a rhetorical question, the obvious answer being that it would feed one, maybe two. They had reached the end of the line.

The stage was set. The men arrived in their thinking at just where Jesus wanted them to. Then we find the story’s narrator revealing to us what was happening behind the scenes. He gives us the overriding principle for what is possible when facing the impossible:

“…for he (Jesus) already had in mind what he was going to do.”

The truth of impossible situations is that they are only impossible for us. God knows how he is going to solve them. He allows us to come right up to the wall so that when the door opens we will recognize that, without a doubt, He is the provider and the problem-solver…He is the door.

As you face your impossible situation, remember that God already has in mind what he is going to do. Admit your own inabilities and watch in faith for the miracle. That day, the people were fed, satisfied, and there were left overs enough to feed the disciples.


I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:9–10)

Jesus is the way through impossible situations. He is also the way to abundant life. Have you entered that life?

Written by

Giselle is a Christian minister, speaker, and the author of "Take Heart: Moving from Victim to Victor"

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade