Have you ever began a project with the sunshine of excitement only to be met with the dreary rain of others’ doubt and despairing words? Do the phrases, “You can’t do that” or “Are you out of your mind,” inspire you to roll forward with a new sense of “Watch me!” Or do they make you roll over and play dead?
We all have encountered the naysayers (I call them the wet-water revival) that seem to do everything they can to prevent rather than promote.
If you are one of those dreamers who has a vision for something great let me ask you a question: How is your index finger?
Now that I have your attention, let me explain.
Have you ever seen a picture of the Brooklyn Bridge? It began with a dream from a man who was told countless times that it could not be done. He finally convinced an up-and-coming engineer that it could, and the two of them set off to make history. The man’s name was John Roebling. The up-and-coming engineer was his son, Washington.
The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was also injured and left with some brain damage. He was no longer able to talk or walk.
Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built.
In spite of his handicap, Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge. His mind was still as sharp as ever.
He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task.
As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and whispered, “Don’t give up.”
Suddenly, an idea hit him.
All he could do was move one finger, and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving his finger, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife. He touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was underway again.
For 13 years, Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm until the bridge was finally completed.
Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal.
We will often face obstacles in our day-to-day life, yet the Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are.
In Philippians 4:13, the Apostle Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Do you have any dreams? If Washington Roebling can build a bridge with a finger, what can God do with your whole life? I believe God will help you do the impossible.
Do you feel that tapping on your heart? If so, I also believe it is time to get started.