Tough

Down in south Florida we have exiles from Cuba that risk their lives to cross the 80 mile stretch between Cuba and the Florida Keys on tiny rafts. A charter boat captain friend of mine encountered one about twenty miles out. He was paddling with one flipper and hanging on to an inner tube. He was completely exhausted, dehydrated, and nearly dead.

Can you imagine trying to make that trip? Strong currents, Sharks, giant violent waves, heat, rain, exhaustion, and the uncertainty of navigation on a non-motorized inner tube raft with only the stars to guide you. It is a bit overwhelming. Some folks really have it tough.
Living in a communist country just 80 miles from the most democratic country in the world where folks are free to come and go to church, work, or play. Year after year thousands of people risk their lives to escape…many do not make it.

If their feet touch the ground in the United States they can stay here.
If they are picked up at sea, they have to go back where they suffer retribution for trying to leave. My friend gave the man he encountered some water and food and told him he was twenty miles from land. He gave him the choice of calling the coast guard to be picked up or letting him struggle on in hopes of making it to land. He pointed out the direction he needed to go and told him how far he was from land. Unfortunately boaters are not allowed to pick up refugees with severe penalties including seizure of your boat and big fines. The Cuban man asked him to call the Coast Guard; apparently he had endured all he could.

Take a minute at your desk to reflect about this before you start your day. If it were not for the grace of God, you might be in a country such as communist Cuba. Say a prayer for this man and all like him who desire freedom. I ask you to also say a prayer for the brave young troops who risk their lives to make our freedom possible. Finally thank God for allowing you to live in such a great country. Now think about all of the problems that you face today and put a smile on your face!

We have it made, problems and all…


1 Tim. 6:17

Command those who are rich in
This present age not to be haughty,
Nor to trust in uncertain riches but
In the living God, who gives us richly
All things to enjoy.

———————————-
For a great Bible research tool, visit http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible
———————————-