The Floating Knife
THE FLOATING KNIFE
Read Hebrews 4:12-16.
Malcolm and his father were enjoying one last fishing trip before the new school year began. “I know we’re supposed to love everyone,” said Malcolm as he stared at the river, “but I don’t think I’ll ever love Byron. He’s a bully, and he makes me mad. How can I love him?”
Dad reeled in his line. “Malcolm,” he said, taking out his pocketknife, “what do you think will happen if I toss this knife in the water?”
Malcolm looked at the knife. “It will sink like a rock, of course.”
Dad said, “I think it will stay at the top.”
“Don’t throw it in the water,” protested Malcolm. “Give it to me if you don’t want it.”
But Dad was taking out the biggest cork bobber he could find. He tied it to his fishing line. Just above it, he attached the knife. Malcolm watched Dad throw it all into the river. First it sank, but then it began to float.
“No fair,” said Malcolm. “The cork is floating and the knife is just riding along.”
“I didn’t say it would float by itself,” replied Dad. “That would be impossible. But with the help of the cork, it’s carried along at the top of the water. It reminds me that God gives many commands that would be impossible for me to carry out by myself. But when I trust Him to help me, He holds me up and carries me along.”
“I get the point, Dad.” Malcolm grinned. “I’ll ask God to help me love Byron. I really will.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is it hard for you to witness for Jesus? To quit complaining? To be cheerful? To be unselfish? God gives many commands that you can’t obey by yourself—but with His help, you can.
TO MEMORIZE:
I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
GOD CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE.
From the book
