Floating in the South Pacific

Volunteering for the US Navy on his 18th birthday, he received his air combat wings at 19 and went on to fly over 50 combat missions in WWII. He was shot down over the South Pacific. While his crew didn't make it, his life was spared, and he recognized God had saved him for a purpose. He never wavered in his thankfulness and service to God and country.  

He went on to serve as a congressman, ambassador, party chairman, CIA Director, Vice President, and President. In 1989, he began his inaugural address with prayer:

Heavenly Father, we bow our heads and thank You for Your love. Accept our thanks for the peace that yields this day and the shared faith that makes its continuance likely. Make us strong to do your work, willing to heed and hear Your will and write in our hearts these words: "Use power to help people"...

President Bush knew what it took to have an impact in this world: serve others, work hard, be courageous, and in all things, be thankful, especially to the God who makes it all possible.  

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:3-5)

I think about how a young George Bush must have felt floating in the Pacific Ocean with no clue how he would survive. That's a trial I would never want to face. Then a submarine miraculously shows up to rescue him, like a whale swallowing Jonah to return him to his mission. What he learned about perseverance, character, and hope during that event was life-altering.  

Where are you being trained to persevere today?

Where are you being trained to persevere today? How is your character being developed? What problems are you facing that, if you just flip the narrative from frustration to gratitude, would change everything? The refining fire of life leads to a hope that doesn't disappoint, and a heart filled with the love of God. 

Perhaps you feel like your plane just got shot down and you're floating alone in a vast, dark ocean with nobody around. Have an attitude of gratitude, as that problem will create perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And Hope never fails. The fact that you are reading this means God has greater things in store for you. Rejoice in the trial, it's preparing you for something epic.  

On the other side, and as opportunities emerge, remember whatever power you are given, as President Bush prayed, use it to help people. That's where hope comes from. Help One Person Every Day.