GOD, GOLF, AND JET PLANES

Mathieu Boya was practicing his golf swing in a pasture adjacent to Benin Air Base in Africa. With one swing of his club, Boya set off a chain of events that destroyed his country’s entire air force. Described as an “inglorious slice” the ball hit a low-flying seagull, which fell into the open cockpit of a jet, as it was taxiing for takeoff. Losing control of the plane, the pilot plowed into four Phantom III fighters, demolishing the entire air force of Benin.

Boya was jailed for “hooliganism.” The country demanded he pay $40 million to replace the jets. Since he only earns $275 per year, it would take 145,000 years to pay off his debt! Boya chose to go to jail, but no one knows how long he was sentenced.  (Source: inf.news> en> world)

We’ve all experienced times of feeling hopeless and helpless like this young man—a devastating financial loss, an addiction we can’t overcome, a divorce we don’t want, a loved-one’s death... Our life is shattered like glass, and it’s too late to reverse the tragedy. We need help from someone loving and powerful enough to deliver us.  Fortunately, our Father qualifies in both respects.  

Like Mathieu Boya, David found himself stuck in a hopeless crisis . (Psalm 40:1-2). David knew where to turn, and God met him in the middle of his mess. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire.”

God doesn’t always prevent us from falling into the “slimy pits” of life. But he hears our cry and saves us. He might work through other people or directly, but he promises to deliver us.

Next time you’re stuck in a hopeless place, remember David … and Mathieu Boya. And don’t practice golf swings near an airbase!

Ponder

• Over the course of your life, what “slimy pits” have you found yourself stuck in?

• How has God healed and delivered you?

Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 40.

 Abba Father, thank you for hearing my cry during those times in life when I’m stuck with no way out. Help me never forget your goodness and deliverance.