Can God do all things? When I was a young Christian, I had no doubt that the answer to this question was a resounding “Yes!” After all, I had sung in Sunday School: “Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing; nothing is impossible for God.”
Then one day, another kid challenged me with a question: "Can God make a rock so big that He can’t lift it?" It was a no-win situation. Either God would be unable to create such a rock, or He would be unable to lift it. Either way, there would be something impossible for Him. That question bothered me for years. I asked several Sunday School teachers about it, but their answers were variations of, “It’s a trick question—just ignore it.” But I couldn’t ignore it. Every time I heard a sermon referencing “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), my mind went back to that rock.
A New Understanding
In my late twenties, I started reading the Bible for myself. Instead of relying solely on what others told me, I dug into God’s Word—and I was amazed at what the Holy Spirit revealed.
Eventually, I realized that the answer to the rock question was a firm “No.” No, God cannot create a rock so big that He cannot lift it. And in fact, there are things that are impossible for God. But rather than troubling me, this truth brings me great comfort and security!
What God Cannot Do
The Bible clearly teaches that God is all-powerful (omnipotent). He has no weakness, and nothing is greater than Him. That knowledge fills me with peace—nothing is too big or too difficult for my God to handle.
But God’s power is not the only defining aspect of His character. His nature also sets limits on what He can and cannot do. And those limits are actually good news for us!
God Cannot Lie – “It is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). Because God is truth (John 14:6), I can trust His Word completely. Even when my understanding is flawed, what He says is always true.
God Cannot Break His Promises – “God is faithful; He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Since God is both all-powerful and truthful, I can trust that He will keep His promises. His words are not empty—they are unshakable!
God Cannot Change – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Since God is already perfect, He does not change over time. I never have to worry that He will become different, alter His values, or shift in His faithfulness.
The Paradox That Proves His Power
So no, God cannot create a rock so big that He cannot lift it. But that doesn’t limit His power—it confirms it! He is not bound by logic puzzles or paradoxes. Instead, He is the sovereign, unchanging, and utterly trustworthy God.
And that is something I can rest in!
About Tom Thomin- Tom is a child of God, blessed husband, and former missionary.
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