A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers     

Matthew 19:26, “With God all things are possible.”  History abounds with tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans, and projects of others could never be achieved.  The Italian sculptor Agostino d'Antonio worked diligently on a large piece of marble. Unable to produce his desired masterpiece, he lamented, “I can do nothing with it.”  Other sculptors also worked on this difficult piece of marble, but to no avail. Michelangelo discovered the stone and visualized the possibilities in it. His attitude resulted in one of the world’s masterpieces—David.  The experts of Spain concluded that Columbus’s plans to discover a new and shorter route to the West Indies was virtually impossible. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand ignored the report of the experts. Columbus persisted.  Everyone knew the world was flat, but not Columbus. The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, along with Columbus and his small band of followers, sailed to “impossible” new lands and thriving resources.  Even the great Thomas Alva Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling idea of a motorcar. Convinced of the worthlessness of the idea, Edison invited Ford to come and work for him. Ford remained committed and tirelessly pursued his dream. Although his first attempt resulted in a vehicle without reverse gear, Henry Ford knew he could make it happen. And, of course, he did.  “Forget it,” the experts advised Madame Curie. They agreed radium was a scientifically impossible idea. However, Marie Curie insisted, “I can make it happen.”  Let’s not forget our friends Orville and Wilbur Wright. Journalists, friends, armed forces specialists, and even their father laughed at the idea of an airplane. “Leave flying to the birds,” criticsjeered.  The rest is history.  Finally, as you turned your lights on this morning preparing for your day, consider the plight of Benjamin Franklin. He was admonished to stop the foolish experimenting with lighting. Why, nothing could outdo the fabulous oil lamp.  Listen friend, if God has given you a dream, press forward.  Do not allow the critics and gainsayers to cause you to become discouraged and give up.  What seems impossible today, can materialize in the realm of the possible, with any new day.