A Cup Of Water

“During World War II, John Fawkes piloted a B-17. On one mission he sustained flak from Nazi anti-aircraft guns. Even though his fuel tanks were hit the plane did not explode, and Fawkes was able to land the plane safely. On the morning following the raid Fawkes asked his crew chief for the German shell, to keep it as a souvenir of his good fortune. The chief explained that not just one, but eleven shells had been found in the fuel tank, none of which exploded. Technicians opened the shells and found them void of explosive charge. They were clean and harmless, and with one exception empty. The exception contained a carefully rolled piece of paper. On it a message had been scrawled in the Czech language: ‘This is all we can do for now’.  A courageous assembly line worker was disarming bombs and had scribbled that note. He couldn’t end the war, but he could save one plane. He couldn’t do everything but he could do something and he did it.”*

Remember -- it’s not all up to us.  The weight of the world may seem to be on our shoulders but we need to remember that Jesus shoulders that load in your place.  The Savior promised rest to weary and heavy-laden travelers, not a heavier load.  In His own words, He said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

The job of saving the world was given to the Son of God, not you and me.  Yes, God uses us in His efforts to reach out to a lost and suffering world, but we are not responsible for the outcome.  Our calling is to be faithful in whatever task He sets before us.  Like the assembly worker in a German munitions plant, we can’t do it all --  no matter how hard we try.  But we can do that one seemingly insignificant thing that God can multiply in incredible ways.  A cup of water for a thirsty soul can make a big difference (Mark 9:41).

God loves you!

Mike

*Cure For The Common Life, Max Lucado