Yesterday I was reading some of my older posts, and I came across this one that I really liked. I wrote it on July 2nd – when I virtually had no readers. I have a hectic day today, but plan on new stuff Monday. Until then…have a really nice weekend…
Castaway
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in front of the TV watching the movie CASTAWAY w/ Tom Hanks. I can never forget the message from this movie that resonated in my soul.
If you are familiar with this story, Tom Hanks was in a terrible storm that resulted in him being deserted on an island. Tom Hanks seemed to have lost everything. At that point in the movie, I felt a very strong and clear impression in my mind- a small, still voice was saying, “This is your life.” It gets better: if you remember, Tom Hanks tried to kill himself because of his overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and solitude, but was unsuccessful. Well, I never tried to commit suicide, but I have asked God numerous times to take my life…because I just didn’t want to live with all of my limitations anymore. I felt like Tom Hanks felt…that I had lost everything.
But Tom Hanks had to learn how to adjust and adapt to his new surroundings. I had to learn also.
Fast forward in the movie…Tom Hanks is sitting alone with one of his friends (this is after he was able to escape captivity on the island. He was now back in civilization), and he is confiding in him. He told his friend that while he was on that island, “All of my logic just kept telling me I was never going to make it, but it felt as though a warm blanket was covering me and telling me I had to keep breathing. Then one day the tides turned (if you remember, a piece of the side of a boat washed upon shore, and Tom Hanks was able to make a raft out of it, which helped him escape off the island), and here I am with you now. You never know when the tides are gonna turn.”Did you get it? I most certainly did…You never know when the tides will turn. Keep breathing.
That’s awesome! God will use any means possible to get through to us…all we need to do is be open to Him and listen. Jesus did say that He is The Good Sheperd, and His sheep will hear His voice.
Castaway (cont.)
I just realized one incredibly important thing that also happened at the end of the movie…
Back in civilization, Tom Hanks went to his old girlfriend’s house (played by Helen Hunt). She told him that she wanted to show him something, and walked him out into the garage. She then handed him the keys to his old truck! She told him that she knew he was still alive, and she was keeping it for him! Of course…I cried…
because I knew that scene in the movie was a picture of the restoration God promises His kids. After all, doesn’t the book of Job tell us that God had restored to him everything he lost, in fact the Bible says, “The Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.” (Job 42:10)
But one thing we always have to remember, God’s timetable is not the same as ours.