Tighten Your Connection

It was my first and last experience with a pneumatic drill, which is a jackhammer with a star bit instead of a chisel bit. We four volunteers were to dig a septic tank for the caretaker's house at a Christian camp. After three feet of digging we hit bedrock--pre-Cambrian limestone. That's when they showed us how to use the drill.

We bored a hole for a dynamite charge to break up the rock. The thunderous blast sent 20-pound chunks of rock a hundred feet into the air, but did not break up the rock far enough down. One young man was boring a new hole while the rest of us jammed prybars into the cracks in the bedrock to lift out chunks broken up by the first blast. That's when it happened.

There was a loud boom. The compressor hose had popped off, and like the sprayer on a loose water hose, it snaked around wildly, showering us with bits of rock. We scrambled out of there as quick as we could. A weak connection made it inevitable that the hose would blow when the pressure was great enough.

Have you ever known anybody who blows up under pressure? Do you? I do too sometimes. But look at Jesus. It wasn't as if He didn't have pressure. Judean midnights are chilly in March or April, yet His sweat was like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). The pressure was tremendous, but He used all that pressure to propel a great purpose--the redemption of the world-because He tightened the connection. "Father, remove this drink. Father, accomplish Your will over mine. Father, forgive their ignorance of what they are doing. My God, why have your abandoned me? Father, receive my spirit."

What do you do when the pressure of your life builds and builds? Do you tighten your connection with God? Or is that the very time you let go of Him? We will know by whether there comes from you some great achievement--or a loud boom.

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved.

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

Latest News


Sweet Treats From Sweet Muse Make Perfect Gifts That Delight and ...
MarketWatch - 6 hours ago
Packaged with each brownie is an inspirational message or special quote, which makes each treat incredibly special. Messages can be selected from existing ...

Reader's Digest Honors Inspirational Teacher
PR Web (press release), WA - 12 hours ago
Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA, was among nineteen "American Icons" honored for their wisdom, ...

Cascade producer releases second inspirational DVD edition
Great Falls Tribune, MT - 8 hours ago
By JO DEE BLACK • Tribune Business Editor • December 2, 2008 CASCADE — Cheryl Andersen's first attempt at commercializing her husband's photography hobby ...

Inspirational journalist bows out
The Australian, Australia - 7 hours ago
Macswan, a former war correspondent, foreign correspondent and associate editor of the national news agency Australian Associated Press, died in Sydney ...

Teen's inspirational story hits home
MayoClinic.com - 17 hours ago
I was preceded in the program by a 17-year-old woman who was inspirational as she shared her story with the audience. At age 13, she was an athletic, ...

Have an inspirational story? We're all ears
Orlando Sentinel, FL - Dec 1, 2008
Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ...

OUR VIEW: Our teachers, our neighbors, we honor you
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 14 hours ago
Inspirational teachers not only challenge students to achieve, but instill in them life lessons and the love of learning. To recognize the special place ...
"Teacher of Year" nominations accepted South Coast Today
all 3 news articles

TVNZ

Inspirational Ronaldo wins global award
Daily Nation, Kenya - 2 hours ago
By REUTERSPosted Tuesday, December 2 2008 at 18:36 Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Tuesday after ...
Why the Ballon D'or is Stupid and Quite Possibly Evil Buzzle
all 772 news articles

Ducks' Reed tops list at team awards
EastOregonian.info (subscription), OR - 9 hours ago
The Ducks' Most Outstanding and Most Inspirational honors are voted on by the Oregon players. Oregon improved its record to 9-3, concluding its regular ...

Duck Awards Banquet
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Dec 1, 2008
Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ...

Resources