You Can Do the Impossible
Ed Wrather encourages believers to confront their perceived impossibilities through faith and action, using biblical examples and personal stories.
Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of attempting the impossible, drawing parallels between the incredible winning shot made by Jordan Snipes in a basketball game and the apostle Paul's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading in spreading the gospel. He highlights how the impossible only becomes possible when one takes the initiative to try, echoing the words of various thinkers who caution against labeling things as impossible. Wrather challenges the congregation to consider what they deem impossible in their lives, whether it's witnessing, teaching, preaching, writing, or making positive lifestyle changes, and encourages them to step out in faith and attempt these tasks.
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Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10 NKJV)
You may have seen the incredible play on the news - a three-point winning shot of 90-feet. The basket was made by Jordan Snipes playing for Guilford College against Randolph-Macon. There was only 0.6 seconds left in the overtime game when Snipes rebounded Randolph-Macon's missed free throw. Snipes spun around throwing the ball the entire length of the court and the ball went through the net for the winning score. Guilford College won the game as a result 91-89.
I wonder if Jordan Snipes had any thought that he would actually make the three-point winning basket? He does have some qualifications for the long ball in that he is a former football quarterback. He had hit five of the six three-pointers he had tried prior to the game winner. In a fraction of a second Snipes respond to the challenge of the moment trying the impossible. The impossible became the possible only because Jordan Snipes tried to do it.
The apostle Paul was used to doing what others would never attempt. He tried to take the gospel everywhere that was possible. He was prevented by the Holy Spirit from taking the gospel into Bithynia. But then the apostle saw a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading with him to "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Paul's response was to immediately try to go to Macedonia.
When does the impossible become possible? Only when someone actually tries to do the impossible. The impossible seems to be a word that sets up barriers, which are not always real. Pearl S. Buck once said that, "All things are possible until they are proved impossible. And even the impossible may only be so, as of now." Werner von Braun once said, "I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution." Arthur C. Clarke once said, "When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong."
What is impossible for you? Is it impossible for you to witness to someone? Is it impossible for you teach a Sunday School class? Is it impossible for you to preach? Is it impossible for you to write? Is it impossible for you to pray in public? Is it impossible for you to read God's Word daily? Is it impossible for you to attend church regularly? Is it impossible for you to spend an hour a day in prayer? Is it impossible for you to stop drinking? Is it impossible for you to stop using illegal substances? Is it impossible for you to stop looking at pornography? Is it impossible for you to live like
you know you ought to live? Is it impossible for you to invite someone to church? Is it impossible for you to _______ (You can fill in the blank)? It may be that it is only impossible because you refuse to try. Everything that you refuse to do, try, or begin is impossible to you.
Jordan Snipes would never have won the game if he had not tried the impossible. What about you?
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of the impossible - Example of Jordan Snipes' winning shot - The importance of trying the impossible
- II points: - The apostle Paul's mission and vision - The role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Paul - Responding to God's call
- III points: - Defining what is impossible in our lives - Common barriers we perceive as impossible - The necessity of taking action
- IV points: - Quotes from notable figures on possibility - Encouragement to challenge the impossible - Reflection on personal challenges
- V points: - Conclusion and call to action - Inspiration from Jordan Snipes' story - Final thoughts on faith and action
Key Quotes
“All things are possible until they are proved impossible.” — Ed Wrather
“I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution.” — Ed Wrather
“When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong.” — Ed Wrather
Application Points
- Identify one area in your life where you feel something is impossible and take a small step towards it.
- Reflect on how faith can empower you to try things you previously thought were beyond your reach.
- Encourage someone else to take action on their own perceived impossibilities.