Lynn and I went to the movie, “The Blind Side” tonight. It’s a true story about a young man – Michael Oher - who overcame incredible odds to achieve his dreams. He was a homeless boy, living on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, seemingly destined to amount to nothing. Fortunately, a well-to-do Christian family gave him a home, paid for him to attend a Christian school, and helped him exceed all expectations. He was an enormous fellow, with an innate talent for football. The high school he attended had an engraved Bible verse over the entrance from Matthew 19:26 – "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." That verse came true in Michael Oher’s life. Not only did he graduate from high school, he also graduated from Old Miss and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens NFL team in the first round. It wasn’t an easy journey, however. Most of his teachers believed that he would not succeed. His friends thought he wouldn't make it. Even his coach had doubts. But against all odds, with the love and encouragement of his new found family he ignored the naysayers and overcame the odds.
I’ve often wondered what the people of God could accomplish if we refused to listen to the “naysayers” and instead listened to the “now-sayers”. I believe that God created us for greatness. He gave us an innate desire to do amazing things in our lifetimes. But along the way, there are plenty of people who will do everything in their power to discourage us and disprove this face. They are the ones who have the “gift of discouragement”. And they have made themselves the self-appointed naysayers who discourage greatness and say it can’t be done. But don’t listen to them. God gives us challenges both great and small to shape us into the wonders we were designed to be and lead us to accomplish the plan and purpose for which He created us. I believe this is true both for the individual as well as for His church. When you look at the economy and see the rising unemployment rate and instability of the dollar, it’s easy to take the safe route instead of trusting in the power and provision of our Savior and walking in faitht. But God has already blazed the trail that lies before us. Regardless of what we face, we will not travel through uncharted territory. Nor will we be alone. We can rest in the security of a sovereign God who promises that “He will keep us from stumbling” and even though things seem possible for man, nothing is impossible for Him. So no matter what your circumstances may be right now, listen to the voice of God and ignore the naysayers. He will sustain you and keep you. The Bible says, “He remains faithful...” You can trust in Him. Don't look at the size of your problems. Look at the size of your God.
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