I was watching an episode of the West Wing last week and this story was shared with President Bartlet when he had a difficult choice to make and didn’t know what to do.
There was a man who lived in a house next to a river.
After a heavy storm, the water rose and an announcement came over the radio urging locals to leave their houses before their homes were flooded.
“Oh, no,” said the man confidently to himself, “I’m a religious man, I pray, God loves me, God will save me.”
The water rose higher, and the man was forced to move into the second story of his house. A guy in a row boat came along and called for the man to hurry and get into the boat.
“Oh, no, that won’t be necessary,” the man insisted. “I’m a religious man, I pray, God loves me, God will save me.”
Finally the house was completely engulfed in water, and a helicopter swooped in to rescue the man, now perched on the roof.
Again he refused, saying, “I’m a religious man, I pray, God loves me, God will save me.”
Just then, a huge wave of water swept over the house, and the man drowned.
When he got to heaven, he demanded an audience with God.
“Lord,” he said, “I’m a religious man, I pray. I thought you loved me. Why did this happen?’
“What do you mean?” asked the heavenly Father. “I sent a radio announcement, a boat, and a helicopter and you still wouldn’t listen to me!”
Sometimes, we pray and look for a sign from God as to what we should do next.
Most often, He’s already spoken and we just haven’t paid attention.
He will often use unusual sources and will even use those who don’t believe in Him.
Just make sure that you’re listening.
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December 29, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Chris Jaeger
Great story and so true! Great blog and I enjoy your daily email.
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December 29, 2012 at 8:49 pm
Darren Poke
Thanks Chris
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December 30, 2012 at 4:20 am
Mary Hope (@maryhopecareers)
Interesting story, was Pres Bartlett listening to that story or did he tell it? ( I Ioved West Wing series 1-3 but then we lost it in the UK. ) It is true in coaching that people already have the answers to their problems they are just not listening to themselves or don’t feel able to take the steps that they need to.
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December 30, 2012 at 9:04 am
Darren Poke
Thanks Mary, he was told the story by his priest. We love the show as well and have every series on DVD to watch every couple of years.
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December 31, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Lady Gwendolynn
This is cool Darren, thank you for sharing. I try to tell people something similar, but a little more simplified without the whole story, but now I have a reference to use if I want to help people understand better. Thank you!
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December 31, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Lady Gwendolynn
Reblogged this on The Musings of Lady Gwendolynn.
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March 3, 2013 at 9:27 pm
GOWOK
Most atimes people would love to see supernatural signs before the increase their faith of trusting the Lord.
The lord can help you through trivial ways that you wouldnt expect, so just keep a subsided mind and surely you would experience the wonders.
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