Don’t forget the God factor. With God all things are possible!

Remember: Things Once Considered Impossible Are Now Possible

It’s interesting to remember that things which were considered impossible in the not too distant past have been found to be possible, after all.

In a book I was looking through this morning I came across an anecdote regarding Robert H. Goddard who was “the driving force behind America’s early space programs.”

Apparently, Goddard was mocked many years ago in the New York Times for believing a rocket could travel through outer space. In the Times it was pointed out that Goddard did not even possess “the knowledge ladled out daily in high schools.” Not a very nice thing to write about a respected scientist, huh? But that did not cause Goddard to quit.

The thinking against Goddard’s ridiculous idea of space travel went like this: “With no atmosphere in outer space and therefore nothing for an engine to thrust against… a rocket couldn’t move an inch. That was in 1920.”

Of course, we now know the experts regarding what-is-possible and what-is-impossible at the New York Times, in 1920, were wrong.

In the late 1960s—following the Apollo 11 mission which reached the moon—the Times made a reference to their earlier editorial, writing “the Times regrets the error.” When that happened I doubt if Goddard pointed, made faces and laughed at them. Eminent scientists don’t typically behave that way…I think.

Hey, it’s easy to be tough on the New York Times for their shortsightedness but this is a great example of the point I’m getting at: A mission which seemed literally impossible according to the laws of science (as many educated people understood them at the time) turned out to be possible, after all.

I like the idea that we still don’t know everything and that there are all kinds of possibilities we have not yet exhausted. It helps me feel optimistic and hopeful. And it reminds me of someone I know.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’"  Matthew 19:26

[ I read the anecdote about Robert Goddard in a book titled, “Get Out Of Your Own Way” by Robert K. Cooper ]

I Like Living With Hope

I like to believe there are extraordinary things, wonderful things, good things that could potentially occur.  I realize that it takes more than a positive attitude for remarkable things to be accomplished.  But I like living with a sense of hopefulness.  It just feels, to me, like a better way to live.

I know that when we hope for things we are then set up for disappointment.  And I have had many disappointments.  People who are hopeful sometimes have their hopes dashed.  But in spite of the disappointments I would still rather live with a sense of hope.

That’s why I love verses like Matthew 19:26, in which Jesus says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

That is a tremendously hopeful truth.  I pray that it gives hope to you, today!

All Things Are Possible

Followers of Jesus should be people who are open to the truth that good, hopeful, positive  possibilities always exist because of who God is.  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~Jesus, Matthew 19:26.

Everything Is Possible With God

It’s very encouraging to know that all kinds of things that are impossible for us humans are entirely possible for God.  We are weak and fallible and restricted in many ways, this is simply part of being human.  But God is all-powerful and perfect and infinite.  (That’s why it’s nice to know Him.) “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Matt.19:26

E-Flash From Dan, July 21, 2012

Dear E-Flash Friends;

Every now and then someone will explain to me why it is not possible—in the situation in which he is involved—to live the way God calls us to live.  And as I hear the person’s explanation I will often find myself nodding my head and thinking, “You’re right.  It is not possible to live the way God calls us to live in the situation you are describing to me.”

But I would have to add four words to that thought: “…with our own power.”

There are lots of things that God expects us to do that we cannot do… with our own power.  This is why followers of Jesus believe in the necessity of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit has limitless, mountain-moving power.  It is the power of Almighty God.  And here’s the extraordinary part:  According to the Bible, that power is available to us.

That is why Jesus could say things like this, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26.

This Sunday, the state coordinator for the Church of God in Illinois, Eric Livingston, will be bringing a message about the power of the Holy Spirit.  He will be talking about the Holy Spirit in our lives, individually, and the necessity of the Spirit’s power in the church, corporately.

I hope you’re planning to be present.  Eric is an excellent speaker and he is a terrific person who loves God and has a passion for churches.  You will be blessed.  In fact, I encourage you to invite a friend.  He or she will be blessed, as well.

I’m thinking about you and praying for you.  I’ve heard terrific reports about last Sunday’s services.  I am praying and trusting that the Holy Spirit will move, teach, inspire and challenge the hearts of our church this Sunday, as well.

Love and blessings,

Dan

Possibilities Exist

“The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” –Chinese Proverb.  Sometimes possibilities exist that we simply cannot see or imagine.  “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” –Jesus, Matt.19:26.

What Is Possible With God?

Sometimes when life is difficult and a few things haven’t worked out the way I’ve expected, I find myself feeling frustrated and maybe even a little bit cynical. In those times, my expectation of “what is really possible” diminishes. That’s when it’s important to remember that God is still God. HE has not diminished in the least. “With God all things are possible.” Matt.19:26 [Jesus]