Winning Ways: “The Lesson of the Seagull”

Jesus can help us overcome what overcomes us. But learn the lesson from a foolish seagull and don’t wait too long to ask for help.

Matthew recounted a story of Christ’s complete control over a force of demons that completely controlled two men (8:28-34). Read this report and gain confidence that Christ can overcome the things that overcomes you. Whatever addiction or sinful attraction overpowers us is no match for his power!

But, as I said, don’t wait too long to ask for help. You may end up suffering the fate of the seagull George Sweeting saw at Niagara Falls. One spring the popular speaker and author watched the large blocks of ice rushing down the river toward the falls. He noticed the carcasses of dead fish embedded in the ice, and gulls by the score were riding down the river on these blocks of ice and feeding on the fish. As they came to the brink of the falls, their wings would go out, and they would escape the falls.

But Sweeting noticed one gull lingering much longer than the rest, engrossed in the carcass of a fish. When it finally came to the brink of the falls, out went its powerful wings. But it had delayed too long so that its claws had frozen into the ice, and the gull plunged into the abyss.

What controls you can destroy you: it can destroy happiness, it can destroy a career, it can disintegrate a marriage, it can even end your life. The good news is that Christ can overcome whatever overcomes you.

This Sunday, we’ll take a close look at this hopeful truth. It’s the second week in our series called “Smackdown!” We’re looking at five awesome stories of Christ’s awesome power in the Gospel of Matthew. Join us at the “Bold Blend” service or the 10:45am “Smooth Blend” service, or listen online Monday (iTunes; website).

Also, the Anchor Course is underway, but it’s not too late to join us. Contact my assistant, Jami, and let her know you’re interested (345-3771 or jami@hbcaustin.org). And don’t let your kids miss out on the Kids Music Theater, a new program that meets from 5:30 to 7:00pm each Sunday night. It’s a high-energy program of games and musical training that will move toward a performance at Christmas! Parents can choose from a number of excellent classes while their kids are in KMT. Spread the word!

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