Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place?
Have you ever been caught between a rock and a hard place? A decision that was tough but you had to make the call.
“Under hopeless circumstances he hopefully believed.” Romans 4:18
Abraham was promised by God to be the father of nations. Abraham in course of his life made decisions that seemed impossible but they became possible. What caused him to face the uncertainty of his future? I believe it was his faith and trust in the Lord thy God.
There have been times in my life that I had been caught between a rock and a hard place but there is one in particular, which has come to my mind. In nineteen seventy-one, I was a student at Orlando Junior College in Orlando, Florida and also I was president of a chapter of a Christian organization, which entitled me to be on the student government. The school was closing its doors and many of the students were upset. The administration had issued a warning, anybody caught destroying school property would be expelled.
One Sunday, on a crisp, fall morning, in the school cafeteria some of the basketball players came in and just trashed the place.
They were reported and after an investigation, the students were expelled. I happened, to be on the student judiciary committee that voted to expel them.
That afternoon, word came to me that the basketball players were waiting to hurt me.
As I was approaching my dormitory, around six tall, well-built basketball players surrounded me and angrily yelled dirty, vile words at me and threaten my life.
Amidst the hostility, I felt the presence of God! Then, suddenly, a tall young man shouted out to them,
“Hey fellows, do not hurt Eddie! We deserve the punishment, because we broke the rules and he just reported what he saw.”
They left hurriedly and angrily! God provided deliverance.
The story does not end here though, many years had passed, and my wife and I were in Orlando, Florida visiting her parents. While we were there, we decided to go to the mall. Upon entering the mall, we found that it was crowded with many people. My wife and I began to walk in the midst of the people. When suddenly I heard a voice said,
“Eddie Smatt! Eddie!”
I turned and there stood in front of me was a tall, slim security guard.
“Eddie Smatt, how are you?”
I did not recognize him at first.
“Eddie, don’t you remember me?”
“No, I said,” in a low voice.
“Eddie, remember, Orlando Junior College. We attended the same school and I played basketball for Orlando Junior College. Remember, you were surrounded by the angry basketball players. I was the one, whom told them to leave you alone!”
“After Orlando Junior College, I attended Florida Technical University. I was very unhappy with my life. One day I got so low on with my feelings that I contemplated taking my life but I remembered you, your faith in Jesus, and your smiling face. I remembered what you said, that if ever a time came that you feel like giving up, just get on your knees and ask Jesus to come into your heart. He will come in and restore your faith and hope.
Eddie, I did just that, I asked Jesus to come into my life, changed me, give me hope and he did.
Eddie, I asked God to give me a chance to meet you and to thank you for reminding me, the reason for living. Thank you so much!”
We had a few more words and he left with the peace of God in his heart!
Dear friends, whenever you come upon a rock and a hard place, First, make sure you have all the facts and proof,then always do the right thing, pray for God's wisdom,trust in God for his deliverance,make a positive decision and you will receive a blessing.
If you have not yet accepted Jesus, come to Jesus now! Pray this prayer,dear Lord Jesus, forgive me of my sins, I repent, and come into my heart, right now, in Jesus name, amen.
If you have not yet accepted Jesus, come to Jesus now! Pray this prayer,dear Lord Jesus, forgive me of my sins, I repent, and come into my heart, right now, in Jesus name, amen.
Love,
Eddie
Eddie
