A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers     

Acts 20:22-24, “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”  Years ago, a young African American child was growing up in Cleveland, in a home which he later described as “materially poor but spiritually rich.”  One day a famous athlete, Charlie Paddock, came to his school to speak to the students. At the time Paddock was considered “the fastest human being alive.” He told the children, “Listen! What do you want to be?  You name it and then believe that God will help you be it.” The little lad decided that he too wanted to be the fastest human being on earth.  The young man went to his track coach and told him of his new dream.  His coach told him, “It’s great to have a dream, but to attain your dream you must build a ladder to it. Here is the ladder to your dreams.  The first rung is determination. And the second rung is dedication. The third rung is discipline. And the fourth rung is attitude.”  The result of that well-timed motivation was that he went on to win four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.  With Hitler looking on, this African American won the 100-meter dash and broke the Olympic and world records for the 200-meter race. His broad jump record lasted for twenty-four years. His name? Jesse Owens.  In our Scripture lesson today, Paul the apostle testifies to the fact that none of the challenges he faced in his ministry deterred him from his destiny.  In fact, the very obstacles that could have deterred him only acted as an impetus for him to press ahead.  No matter what obstacles you may face today, God can use those same impediments to build within you the determination that you need to overcome any and all challenges that presently overshadow your life and lead you to a victorious finish line with this new day.