The story of the paralytic man in Mark 2 bears a glowing testimony to this scripture – “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12 NKJV).As was often the case, Jesus had a house packed full of eager listeners at a house in Capernaum. The paralyzed man was brought by four persons to the place, wanting to have the healing touch. The problem was that they could not access the house through the door or window. Rather than retreat in defeat, they put on their thinking cap and changed their approach. They tore through the roof, and let down the sick man to the center of the room. Talk of desperate faith at work! Of course, they got the healing which they so desperately wanted.

This story has a couple of lessons for us on goals. First of all, we must use the word ‘impossible’ sparingly, if at all. Many of the things we throw up our hands in defeat to as impossible are only calling for a different approach. To us is given the word that to those who believe all things are possible. The second lesson from their action is that reaching a goal may not happen at first call. It may take the second, third or more attempts to have a breakthrough. In other words, reaching goals calls for patience and persistence. When we persist, God will augment our efforts and grant us the desired result.