RACING DOWN THE RIVER

Clovis Chappell, a nineteenth century minister, used to tell an interesting story about two paddleboats.  The two boats, powered by coal, left Memphis about the same time, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side-by-side, sailors from one vessel made some critical remarks and jokes about the snail's pace of the other boat.

Heated words were exchanged between the men on the two boats.  Challenges were made. So the race began. The competition was hot and heavy as the two boats roared through the Deep South.

Eventually, one boat began falling behind. The problem: it didn't have enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race.

As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ship's cargo and tossed it into the boat's ovens. When his fellow sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as coal, they fueled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport.

Guess what? They ended up winning the race. But they burned their cargo.

How Does This Apply to Our Lives?

The men on the winning boat did what they liked, which was winning the race. But the price for that victory was expensive. The boat's cargo, the very reason they were traveling down the river in the first place, was sacrificed. So they failed to do what they ought to have done, which was to safely transport their cargo.

You may not have thought about it, but God has entrusted each of us with cargo. Our cargo is other people, such as friends and family, and the ability He has given us to help someone else. We are responsible for this cargo, and ought to cherish it in our journey through life.

However, like the men on the winning boat, often we fail in that responsibility. As Billy Graham says, "We hurt people by being too busy. Too busy to notice their needs. Too busy to drop that note of comfort or encouragement or assurance of love. Too busy to listen when someone needs to talk  Too busy to care."

Are you too busy to care? When opportunities occur to help others, do you take advantage of those opportunities? Or do you burn your cargo as you busily do what you like?

Be diligent, and do what you ought to do. Slow down for the needs of your family and friends. Seize opportunities to help people when it is within your power to do so.

Finally, remember one other cargo God has entrusted to you. It is the Good News of Jesus Christ. Diligently share that Good News with others, and help people who are using their gifts for Christ reach even more people.

Your diligence with the cargo God has given you will be very rewarding.

"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" (Mark 16:15)  

By Rich McLawhorn

If Anointed Child has been a blessing or source of encouragement to you please consider supporting us by making a donation. Your contribution big or small, is deeply appreciated. Be Blessed!

=>> 30 Days of Prayer <<=

=>> There Is Power in Prayer! Your Prayers Have the Power to Profoundly Impact Your Destiny. <<=

Prayer is the most powerful weapon against trials. The most effective medicine against sickness. And the most valuable gift to give to yourself and your loved ones. Through prayer, you can conquer all things.

Jumpstart your prayer life today with empowering, uplifting and inspiring 30 Days of Prayer. Act Now! Don’t let the enemy cheat you out of your divine destiny! Invest in your prayer life today, and begin to unlock your destiny through powerful prayers!

Don’t underestimate the power of prayer! People are testifying of financial breakthroughs, business breakthroughs, job promotions, marital breakthroughs, academic breakthroughs, healing and so much more, after 30 Days of Prayer!

~ Act Now, Tomorrow Is Promised to Man! Take the Challenge Today & Begin to Unlock Your Destiny Today! Tomorrow May Be Too Late! ~

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: "Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

=>> 30 Days of Prayer <<=

=> 30 Day Prayers for Favor
=> 30 Day Prayers for Singles
=> 30 Day Prayers for Fasting
=> 30 Day Prayers for Healing
=> 30 Day Prayers for Success  
=> 30 Day Prayers for Prosperity
=> 30 Day Prayers for your Family
=> 30 Day Prayers for your Children
=> 30 Day Prayers for your Marriage
=> 30 Day Prayers for your Finances
=> 30 Day Prayers for your Business
=> 30 Day Prayers for Every Situation
=> 30 Day Prayers to Unlock your Destiny  
=> 30 Day Prayers for Stubborn Situations  

The Key to Answered Prayers:

1. Have faith.
2. Be obedient.
3. Seek God’s will.
4. Repent your sins.
5. Pray without ceasing.
6. Pray with perseverance.
7. Praying with persistence.
8. Pray in the name of Jesus.
9. Give thanks and praise to the Lord.