Once there was a man that had devoted his entire life to praising the Lord. He knew that everything he had was because God was good, and God would take care of him – of this he was confident.
One stormy winter day, the man became frightened because the reports were that the rain was not going to let up, and flash floods could be counted on in his area. Shortly after he heard news, he heard the sirens outside and the fire truck passing by with the fireman loudly warning everyone to evacuate their homes immediately the fire truck was followed by a school bus full of people who obviously could not evacuate on their own. The man turn went to his room and kneeled down to pray. “Dear Father”, he prayed, “I have been faithful to you all these years. Please help me now in my hour of need”.
The water came and was rising fast. As water started to seep under the door again the man heard a blast from outside… it was the Coast Guard looking for people that were stuck. The man climbed on top of the table away from the rising waters and prayed, “Lord I know you promised not to send waters next time, so I know that I will be safe in your hands”.
The waters still rose as the rains did not let up. Soon the man climbed out onto the roof of his house because the waters were so high. There he saw a National Guard helicopter circling homes, but he refused the aid they provided as he prayed, “Father you have given me all I need in the past I am confident in you in this time of need”.
The waters eventually rushed over the roof, and took the man home to the Lord. Needless to say, when he met Jesus, he was a little miffed. “Hey”, he complained to Jesus, “I’ve given my whole life to you and have known your blessings. I have obeyed all the commandments and I’ve done all that was asked of me. But in my hour of need where were you?!” Jesus calmly replied, “I sent you a fire truck, a Coast Guard clipper and a National Guard helicopter… what more do you want from me?!” The moral of the story – When opportunity knocks… open the door, often you will see God on the other side.
Bright blessings ~ Richard |