REFLECTIONS

World of Possibilities

“Never, never, never give up,” Winston Churchill encouraged. Andy Dufresne didn’t. Who among us hasn’t seen the movie, The Shawshank Redemption? Or more than once. The story begins with injustice claimed, unfolds the miseries of prison life, develops the warmth of an endearing friendship, and portrays the strength of human will. In the end, Andy’s great escape displays the power of hope in the face of the most discouraging circumstances. Yet we too easily forget that we live in a world of possibilities. Hope sharpens our minds and enlivens our eyes to find them.

Remember that other great escape that began with bloody door-frames, a chase to what appeared to dead-end at the Red Sea, then followed by discouragement, thirst, hunger, and more than 40 years of wandering. But the leader didn’t quit. Moses’ perseverance prevailed, though not without years of struggle. Even when possibilities seem unrealistic, let’s not count them out too quickly. Listen to the disciples’ dubious response when Jesus’ expressed his intent to feed 5,000 hungry men.

“Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” (John 6:5-9)

Then right before their eyes, a miracle happened; and they were a part of it! Still, the disciples didn’t seem to catch on until a later time and place Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

So, never give up. “Hopelessness always comes too soon,” someone once explained to me. And isn’t it true. Maria von Trapp said it this way to her teenage step-daughter: “When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.”

The Shawshank Redemption makes little reference to faith, but Andy Dufresne’s never-give-up spirit dug his way to a great escape from Shawshank Prison. Moses’ never-give-up spirit led the Israelites to the promised land. And with a never-give-up spirit the disciples ventured off into the world to make disciples.

We live in a world of possibilities. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;/I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org.

Click here for Printer Friendly Version