Let's Roll

 Heard an interesting sermon the other day.  It was based on Psalms 124, where David is recalling all the ‘incidents’ in his life that have made him feel like he's living in unresolvable chaos. But even in everything, he can still sing, “If God had not been on our side …”

The pastor then shared a bit of his life story about when he was 18, was a baker's apprentice, lived at home, had a fast car ....... and a girlfriend.

He was a believer, active in his church’s youth programs. He seemed to have all the things we call “good” to his credit, but …… He came home one day and his mother said, almost cheerfully, he remembers, "There's something on your bed for you."

"Oh goodie! he thought, my life couldn't get better" as he rushed up to his room. There, spread out on his bedspread, were SEVEN overdue speeding tickets.  They had been held up because he'd 'forgotten' to change the address on his licence.  For an 18 yr old, that was HIS end of the world.  He didn't know how he'd survive.

We've probably all been there at some point of our lives.  We've been inconceivably blessed if we've never had one of those "I can't do this" moments. But then, as the pastor pointed out, if we’ve survived those moments, it’s probably because we followed the advice given by his own dad: to simply move forward, eyes on God, all the way to the other side.

I’m pretty sure most of you could add your “amen” about here, recalling those times of despair and yet amazed that you did make it thru, in spite of the constant reminders that there was no hope, no way out, no way on.

Come back with me, to the first verse of Psalms 124: “If God had not been on our side …”, then skip ahead to the last verse (vs 8), “Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

It’s too bad that we can’t just “skip ahead” thru all of life’s trials, but take heart; for everyone who knows Christ as Saviour, the story will always have a happy ending. 

While writing this, I was reminded of some random Facebook post, and the name, Todd Beamer.  You may be scratching your head, thinking, "That name sounds familiar", but let me help you.

I have no idea if he was a Christian, but his bravery made us proud.  On the flight out of Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, Beamer assessed the situation, made the decision based on the fact that none of them would likely survive, no matter what happened, then made that famous statement "Let's roll".  

We won’t know the details, at least this side of Heaven, and maybe not even then. What we do know is that the plans of some suicidal terrorists were thwarted that day. The plane crashed with no survivors, but it crashed in an empty field instead of one of several targets, including the White House.

None of us will know the short ending of all those desperate situations that come our way, but we CAN know the final chapter; and we can take comfort in the assurance that we will never, ever be required to go it alone. In whatever circumstance, we can turn to our Father in Heaven and say in all confidence, “Let’s roll!”

Always,

Marsha