Get on the Boat!

"A religious man is on top of a roof during a great flood. A man comes by in a boat and says "get in, get in!" The religous man replies, " no I have faith in God, he will grant me a miracle."

Later the water is up to his waist and another boat comes by and the guy tells him to get in again. He responds that he has faith in god and god will give him a miracle. With the water at about chest high, another boat comes to rescue him, but he turns down the offer again cause "God will grant him a miracle."

With the water at chin high, a helicopter throws down a ladder and they tell him to get in, mumbling with the water in his mouth, he again turns down the request for help for the faith of God. He arrives at the gates of heaven with broken faith and says to Peter, I thought God would grand me a miracle and I have been let down." St. Peter chuckles and responds, "I don't know what you're complaining about, we sent you three boats and a helicopter."



This story has been coming to mind lately. Just as a reminder that sometime we are always waiting on some "big sign" or "miracle" from God. He gives us opportunities, but it is up to us to take those chances and opportunies. God will not make you or I do something. He can, but he gives us the freedom to chose. Sometimes your answer to prayer does come. God doesn't always, actually most of the time he doesn't, have these big neon lights blinking over the plans he has for us. 

There are just some thing in life that God simply wants us to make a decision and trust His Sovereignty. Like Adam. God told Adam to name all the animals. Whatever Adam decided is what is was. Sometimes God is just going to call on up to make a decisions. 

Other times we are praying for God to give us a "sign" but then we refuse to even pay attention and listen. Just like in the story, God is not going to beam you and I up and rescue us. He gave the man three boats and a helicopter. God was trying to save him...but he wanted some "BIG MIRACLE" moment to happen. 

This can also happen with dating. We are so afraid of getting hurt we want to "know that we know" this is "the one" before we ever even go out to coffee with the person. You have to take the risk of getting to know a person. Initially persue them and then seek the Lord's direction. Even then, it comes down to a choice. All the "signs" could be there and you can choose to walk away. That your choice, or you can move forward in a new season of life with that person. I could go on and on, but this story just keeps coming to mind lately. That God will give us multiple chances and opportunities. His grace does not run out, but there may come a time when you and I may no longer have that opportunity. Don't think that that person, place or thing will always be there. 

I am reminded of what Marian Jordan said when she felt God was calling her to write a book, but what God said and apply to anything. But she said she felt the Lord say to her, "I can get somebody else."  

Lord, help me take the boats you send my way! 

Comments

Anonymous said…
That's a scary thought that God can get someone else if we choose not to take opportunities.

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