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Tearing Down the Impossible - Encouragement for Today - Feb. 28, 2013

Lysa TerKeurst

February 28, 2013

Tearing Down the Impossible
Lysa TerKeurst

"'You don't have enough faith,' Jesus told them. 'I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.'" Matthew 17:20 (NLV)

I distinctly remember the day my dad brought home a typewriter. His office had gotten these new machines called "computers." Something within me stirred and went wild at the thought of possessing a typewriter.

I loved the way it could strike and fill a page of nothing and make it something.

Maybe, I could write a book one day? The thought delighted me until I placed my hands on the keyboard. And the only words that came to me were all the reasons I couldn't possibly write a book.

The dream was silenced.

The same thing happened when the high school choir director announced we'd be doing a musical. I got so excited. I could see myself playing the lead role. Until I heard my friend practicing with bold assurance and booming accuracy. Suddenly every note I sang felt painfully hollow.

The dream was silenced.

And then in my mid twenties I dared to tell a friend I might want to speak at the women's event we were planning. Originally, I was just helping plan the event. But the stirring to speak wouldn't leave me. So, I gave voice to my crazy thought.

She just tilted her head and said, "No. I feel certain you aren't supposed to speak."

The dream was silenced.

Has this ever happened to you? Voices within remind us of all the reasons we're incapable. Voices around us all seem more confident. And the voices of the naysayers are just flat out rude.

Oh how impossibility loves to scream into silenced dreams.

And here's the thing about impossible: there is some part of what we're attempting that isn't impossible. All impossibilities have a weak spot. And that's the exact place where we must attack.

A book might seem impossible. But writers have to start somewhere. There's an article that could be written. Or in today's world a tweet that could be crafted. Or a blog posted.

Write there. In the weak spot of impossibility.

Maybe it's your marriage that seems impossible. Go against the grain of your hurt feelings and silent brush-offs. Think on just one thing you love about that man of yours. Send him a text that says how much you appreciate that one thing. Praise him for that one thing. Tell someone else about that one thing you noticed today.

Start there. In the weak spot of impossibility.

I don't know what impossibility you might be facing.

But remember - all impossibilities have a weak spot. It's there. Ask God to show you where it is. Ask God for just enough strength to attack there. Tear it down one good decision at a time.

And soon it will be clear, inside every impossible is the word "possible"... if only we dare to see it.

Dear Lord, I am so thankful that with You anything is possible. Help me to see this in my daily life. Help me to remember that without You I will surely fail, but with You, I can't fail. You are so good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog today to read "Every Book Starts With a Sentence," a great article on how to write a book.

Maybe your "typewriter" is shoved high in a closet or your dream is stuffed deep in your heart. Instead of collecting words on paper, it's collecting dust and your "impossible" dreams. We'd love to be a friend who encourages you and helps your words move from your heart to the places God's calling you to share them. Our annual She Speaks Conference is tailored for you, for your writing and speaking dreams, for your call from God. Click here for more information on joining us, and together, we'll tear down your impossible!

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can't compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Reflect and Respond:
What seems impossible to you right now?

Think about the weak spot of your impossibility. Choose steps to attack that weak spot. Be sure to soak in the truths of our key verse, Matthew 17:20, and power verses below as you tear down the impossibilities in your life.

Power Verses:
Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)

Psalm 59:17, "You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely." (NIV)

© 2013 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

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