2 Chronicles 7 vs. 14 (NKJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
This is a story that has been told for many years, and while I cannot say if there is any truth to whether it happened or not, it certainly holds a lesson that is needed now more than ever before.
Two battleships had been at sea doing training maneuvers. As night came, the captain decided he would remain on the deck due to the heavy fog; as he looked out, he saw in the distance the light of what he thought was another ship, and he knew they were both on a collision course.
So, he signaled to the ship he was approaching: “You are on a collision course; I am advising you to alter your course by 20 degrees.” To his amazement, he heard the response of the other ship telling him to alter his course by 20 degrees, and he responded, “I am a captain; now alter your course by 20 degrees.” The response he received back was, “I am a seaman second class; alter your course by 20 degrees at once.” The enraged captain says we are a battleship squadron, so now, we must change course immediately. The young seaman said, “sir, I am a lighthouse.”
I don’t have to tell you who ended up changing course, yet how many times do we refuse to alter our path because we believe we can push our way through? Are you beginning to experience some problems as a result of your habits, addictions, and lifestyle? Is there a small voice inside saying it’s time to change course? Why not listen and avoid the head-on collision that’s waiting ahead of you? Heart disease, strokes, cancer, and other ailments couldn’t care less about what your station in life is. Twenty degrees is not a huge change of course, but it can be enough to stave off a disaster and allow you to continue sailing the open seas of life. After all, the sea holds so much treasure. Why not humble yourself and live long enough to discover them?
