DAILY GRIND: Burn The Boats!

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

In February 1519, Hernando Cortez set sail on the final leg of a voyage that was to take him from Cuba, a stopover, to the shores of the Yucatan. He commanded 11 ships, with more than 500 soldiers, 100 sailors, and 16 horses, bound for Mexico to take the world's richest treasure. The precious jewels, gold, silver, and sculptures sheltered on this limestone peninsula had been hoarded by the same army for 600 years. After landing, all of his troops and countrymen were sure they would set camp and prepare to battle, but instead Cortez looked at them and said..."Burn the boats!". Questioning his wisdom many grumbled then Cortez explained, if we burn our boats we have to win this battle, there is simply no turning back. He proceeded to burn his own boats first, to show that he was in this to win. All of his group followed suit, and they ultimately went into battle fighting the best they ever had, winning and capturing what they came for! I wonder how many boats do I need to burn in my life, how many vessels are floating that are only escape routes from being what God has called me to be. I challange you to 'burn the boats' in your life!

Blessings,
Liz

(adapted from 4/16/08 youth message at Hackleburg Youth Church)