The God of Limitless Possibilities

Message Summary:

In this message, Chuck Swindoll challenges believers to expand their conception of the Almighty, arguing that “the most important thing about you is what you think about God.” Swindoll warns that if we view God as small, distant, or disinterested, our prayers and lives will shrink to match that limited view. Drawing from the theology of Karl Barth, Swindoll urges listeners not to reason upward from human limitations, but to accept God’s divine revelation that He is the God of “limitless possibilities” [4–6].

Swindoll anchors the message in Luke 18, exploring four distinct scenarios that appear impossible from a human perspective but are solvable by God. First, he highlights the persistent widow, whose relentless prayers move an “impossible” judge, teaching us to pray without losing heart [7–9]. Second, he contrasts a self-righteous Pharisee with a despised tax collector, showing that God can justify even the “worst” sinner who approaches Him in humility [10–13]. Third, he points to little children, illustrating that the Kingdom belongs to the small and inadequate rather than the self-sufficient [14–16]. Finally, he examines the rich young ruler, demonstrating that while it is impossible for men to save themselves, God can change even the hardest heart [20–21].

The message concludes with a personal testimony regarding the founding of Insight for Living in 1979. Swindoll shares how he and his wife, Cynthia, stepped out in faith with limited savings and no radio experience, only to see God provide for the ministry in ways that defied human logic. He ends by asking listeners to identify the “impossibilities” in their own lives—whether a strained relationship, a career change, or a personal addiction—and to trust the God who knows no boundaries [26, 28–30].

Message Key Facts:

• The Theological Rule of Four: Swindoll points out that God explicitly declares “nothing is impossible” four times in Scripture: Jeremiah 32:17, Jeremiah 32:27, Luke 1:37 (to Mary), and Luke 18:27 (by Jesus). This repetition underscores the paramount importance of this doctrine [5–6].
• Tozer’s Maxim: Swindoll opens with a concept often attributed to A.W. Tozer: “The most important thing about you is what you think about God.” A small view of God leads to a faulty life.
• The Impossible Judge: In Luke 18, the judge is described as one who “did not fear God and did not respect man.” Swindoll notes that even this “impossible” authority figure yielded to persistence, encouraging believers to “bother God” with their needs day and night [7–9].
• Pharisaic Prayer: Swindoll notes a subtle detail in the text: the Pharisee “stood and was praying to himself.” His prayer was disconnected from God, serving only to announce his own resume of fasting and tithing.
• “No Little People”: Quoting Francis Schaeffer, Swindoll reminds the listener that there are “no little people and no little places.” He encourages those who feel inadequate, disabled, or aged that God is not impressed by human size or influence [17–18].
• “Extruded” into Leadership: Swindoll shares Schaeffer’s vivid imagery of a leader being “extruded”—forced out under pressure like metal through a dye—into a position of responsibility. He warns against egotistically grasping for leadership rather than waiting for God to place you there [18–19].
• The Birth of Insight for Living: Swindoll recounts the “impossible” start of his radio ministry in 1979. With only $10,000 saved and a monthly need of $75,000, he almost quit before starting. His wife, Cynthia, took the lead, and God provided $76,000 the very first month, proving He is the God of the impossible [28–29].
• Peter’s Reassurance: When Peter asks if leaving everything for Jesus is worth it, Jesus confirms that no one who sacrifices for the Kingdom will fail to receive “many times as much” in this life and the next. Swindoll affirms this promise: “It’s worth it” [22–23].

Message References:

• Jeremiah 32:17 & 27: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”.
• Luke 1:37: The angel’s declaration to Mary: “For nothing will be impossible with God”.
• Luke 18:27: Jesus’ declaration: “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God”.
• Luke 18:1–8: The Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge [7–9].
• Luke 18:9–14: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector [10–13].
• Luke 18:15–17: Jesus blessing the children and rebuking the disciples [14–15].
• Psalm 103:12: Referenced regarding forgiveness: “As far as east is from west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us”.
• Luke 18:18–30: The interaction with the Rich Young Ruler and the teaching on the cost of discipleship [20–23].

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll