Have you ever been handed a situation so daunting that your first instinct was to run, hide, or simply declare, “This is impossible!”? Maybe it was a career challenge, a family crisis, or a personal calling that left you breathless. If so, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Because impossible moments are often the very soil in which God plants the seeds of our greatest purpose.
The Setup for the Supernatural
In his powerful sermon, When You’re Asked to Do the Impossible—part of the Unshakable series—Pastor Rick Warren walks us through the remarkable story of Daniel in chapter 2, where King Nebuchadnezzar demands the impossible: for his advisors to describe and interpret a dream he won’t reveal. His magicians and sorcerers declare, “Nobody anywhere can do what you ask… What you’re asking is impossible” (Daniel 2:10-11, MSG).
Yet Daniel does not falter. He leans into prayer, seeks God, and shows us exactly what unshakable faith looks like under pressure. This message is more than a history lesson—it’s a guidebook for handling the impossible in our own lives.
Faith Doesn’t Panic—It Prepares
The first thing Daniel did was not fall apart. “Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion” (Daniel 2:14, NLT). He didn’t react emotionally—he responded spiritually. Pastor Warren reminds us: Don’t panic. Don’t be impulsive. Step back and let God step in.
How often do we do the opposite? In a crisis, we rush, we worry, we act without thinking. But Daniel teaches us to pause, to pray, and to prepare a faith-filled response.
Dr. Renea Johnson also reminds us in her powerful message: “Lord, I’m trusting and adjusting.” This phrase is our lifeline. Trusting God means adjusting our mindset. We must let go of control, release anxiety, and lean into the belief that if God led us here, He’ll lead us through.
Takeaway: Don’t let the urgency of the moment eclipse the urgency of hearing from God.
Ask Boldly, Believe Deeply
Daniel asked the king for time—not to delay, but to devise a divine solution (Daniel 2:16). He then did what every leader and believer should do: he gathered his community and sought God in prayer. “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, MSG). Daniel knew where the real power was.
Pastor Warren emphasizes this point—when you don’t know what to do, go to the One who does. Your impossible problem is an opportunity for God to show up and show off.
Takeaway: In times of crisis, don’t isolate—intercede.
Promotion Requires Perseverance
After receiving the dream and its meaning, Daniel gives God all the glory (Daniel 2:19-23). He could have claimed brilliance or insight, but instead, he acknowledged the only true source of wisdom. The reward? God elevated him. But the promotion was preceded by pressure, persecution, and powerful prayer.
Dr. Johnson adds that in these moments of divine orchestration, God is the conductor of our lives. We are not just participants; we are instruments in a heavenly symphony. When He shifts, we must adjust. When He speaks, we must listen. When He says move, we move.
Takeaway: When the pressure is on, God is often preparing you for your next position.
Betting on the Breakthrough
Here’s the truth: we are all going to face moments when we are asked to do the impossible. But those are not setbacks—they are sacred invitations to walk deeper in faith and purpose. Like Daniel, like Moses, like Abraham, like you—we are called to trust and adjust, to move when God says move, and to stand firm when He tells us to wait.
Beloved, you don’t have to know the whole path. You just need to trust the Conductor.
So, what is your impossible today? What dream, challenge, or decision has you trembling? Remember, it’s not by your power—but by His Spirit—that the mountains move.
You are not stuck. You are being positioned. You are not forgotten. You are being formed.
Betting on me—and betting on you—means believing that the impossible is just the starting line of the miraculous. Get up, take another step, and watch what God will do.
Through our Inspiration Moments, we explore ways to adapt, inspire, and thrive, finding insights and resources that make growth more achievable, even for those juggling many responsibilities. For more inspiration and resources to help you reach your potential, visit bettingonme.com. Together, let’s make the most of the opportunities before us and create a future full of promise.
Thanks for allowing me to join you on this journey. Until next time, keep thriving and believing that ‘Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.’
Respectfully,
Lynn “Coach” Austin
About
Lynn F. Austin is an educator, author, emerging AI thought leader, and doctoral candidate who is passionate about inspiring others to reach their highest potential. With a strong foundation in faith and expertise in leadership, personal growth, and AI in higher education, Lynn is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace challenges, opportunities, and change.
As a speaker, Lynn shares her insights and experiences at schools, conferences, and workshops. As the author of The Newman Tales children’s book series and other business, motivational, and faith-based books, Coach Austin draws from personal experience and professional expertise to motivate readers to join her toward purposeful living along a ‘life happens for me (not to me) to live my purpose’ journey of faith, growth, and inspiration.