True North: Hatchet DaySample

BIG PROMISES

My son and I recently read Gary Paulson's book, "Hatchet" together. I promised him that once we completed the book, we would go purchase a hatchet for him.

So, we read. Every other night we read about Brian Robeson who took a flight from New York towards the Canadian wilderness when his bush pilot suffered a heart attack and died in the cockpit. We read about Brian's crash landing the plane, surviving the crash, and struggling to survive the first few days. We read about the boy using his only tool, a hatchet, to survive around a Canadian lake for several months, avoiding animal attacks and sudden surprises. We flew through the chapters until...we finished on a Tuesday night right about bedtime.

Of course, Jack wanted to race out that evening and purchase the promised hatchet, but it was too late. So, that made Wednesday exactly what it should have been - Hatchet Day.

Wednesday, after I got off work, we visited 6 different stores to compare styles and prices and ended up purchasing it at the last store of the evening, several hours past our allotted shopping time. We cruised back home and I could almost see the opportunistic thoughts of an 8-year-old pass before his eyes in the back seat. It was evident that all he could think about was how he was going to use the hatchet to build a fortress or shelter in the backyard.

Eventually, I heard the inevitable question, "Can I try it when we get home?" Not a chance! It was already an hour past bedtime, and we weren't even home yet. However, I did promise him we'd go out the next morning. I put him in bed and told him something God tries to tell us so frequently, "I know I promised you this thing, but you can only use it when I'm with you. At least until you learn how to use it really well."

God promises us wonderful things. We can have something great. Something cool. Something fantastic. He will even take us by the hand to go get it, long after our bedtime. But just because we can see it and hold it, it doesn't mean we're ready to wield it. He wants to be with us, walks with us, shows us, guides us, and teaches us before he sets us free with the promise. When used in the wrong way, it could seriously hurt us.

In the Bible, Gideon is a great example of somebody who received a promise from the Lord long before he knew what to do with it. In Judges 6:14 the Lord turned to Gideon and said, "Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the power of Midian. Am I not sending you?" Now that's a pretty big promise!

Gideon argued back with the Lord and provided sufficient answers on why he was just a regular guy and terribly unqualified. Ultimately, Gideon was reminded by God that the promise is large, but he didn't have to do it alone. "But I will be with you"' the Lord said to him. "You will strike Midian down as if it were one man." Judges 6:16.

What is the BIG promise for you? What great things has God laid out to you as a promise? Is it a new job, a new relationship, writing a book, breaking an addiction, or starting a company? Remember, whether it seems too large to accomplish, or like you just can't get there, God will be with you every step of the way.