Nothing Is Impossible

It seems like there is always something that people declare to be “impossible.” Fermat’s Last Theorem was such an assertion. However, English mathematician, Andrew Wiles proved Fermat’s last theorem. It took the Princeton University professor seven years to come up with the 200-page proof that solved the 350-year-old problem, which many mathematicians had declared was unsolvable. The problem was named after Pierre de Fermat, who lived from 1601 to 1665. He was a magistrate whose avocation was mathematics. Fermat is known as a founder of modern number theory and probability theory. He also did much to establish coordinate geometry. He also invented a number of methods for determining maxima and minima that were later of use to Newton in applying calculus. He noted without proof, although he claimed to have discovered one, the assertion now known as Fermat's Last Theorem, which states that the equation xn + yn = zn, where x, y, z, and n are nonzero integers, and has no solutions for n that are greater than 2. Prizes were offered for a proof of this theorem, and attempted proofs resulted in many developments in the theory of numbers. British mathematician Andrew Wiles described a proof of the conjecture in 1993, but a gap in the proof required additional work, which was completed in 1994. However, Wiles' proof involved mathematical concepts that were unknown in Fermat's lifetime, so whether Fermat had a valid proof remains conjecture. In optics Fermat recognized that of all possible paths, light takes the path that takes the least time; this fundamental rule is known as Fermat's principle.

Pretty impressive information for a preacher, huh? Well, as you know, I copied the information from Wikipedia! It illustrates our reading today very well however.

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (Mark 9:21-27 NIV).

So many times we fail only because we believe that we cannot succeed. Faith is the essential ingredient to our success in all of life. Philip Yancey defines faith as: "Believing in advance in something that will only seem logical when seen in reverse." The miraculous await those who believe. Your challenge today may not be as complicated as Fermat’s Last Theorem, but it may seem just as impossible to solve. Trust in the Lord and believe in His mighty hand stretching out to you in grace. He will not fail you!

Sometimes the blessings of God seem disguised, but his mercy will never fail us. Laura Story says it best in her song, Blessings. Spend four minutes and watch this little video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0&feature=player_embedded it will bless you!