The Torpedoes
David Farragut was a Union naval officer during the Civil War. He won a great victory on August 5, 1864 at the Battle of Mobile Bay. Mobile was the last major Confederate port still open on the Gulf of Mexico. The bay was heavily mined with tethered explosives known, in the day, as torpedoes. After one ship struck a mine and sank, the others began to pull back. Observing from his high perch, Farragut shouted, “What’s the trouble?” “Torpedoes!” came the reply. “Disregard the torpedoes!” he shouted. “Four bells. Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jouett, full speed!” The bulk of the fleet entered the bay, Farragut entered naval history and you know what he really said.
What do you do when a task must be completed, but difficulties, and perhaps disaster, await? In fact, you’ve seen others in similar situations go down in flames. Why invite trouble when the safe course may be inaction or retreat? These are weighty considerations that may, indeed, miss the point entirely. Sometimes, we do not have the luxury of putting off unpleasant tasks to another day. And the right thing to do is not always the safe thing to do. It may be hard to keep such ideas in focus when most counsel the path of least resistance and call it wisdom. Victories are won by those who engage the foe while others merely relish the tale. At the risk of repetition, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Small plans entail little risk while great ventures are daunting by their price-tag alone. This is the reason Scripture encourages us to count the cost before choosing endeavors, especially those requiring faith. Yet, history teaches us that the course of events is only changed by those willing to mortgage the farm. Real change is only accomplished through real sacrifice. Life and world-changing realities are encountered and engaged largely by people who are willing to close their eyes and take a hit- or not. Jesus encouraged us to count the cost and take the plunge, not unfold the lounge chair. Into the fray enters the will of God for the individual. People who sacrifice do it because they cannot do otherwise.
So, on we go into deep. Our Lord said that is where the great catch is. And, in a great endeavor, a net is preferable to a cane pole. The danger and risk are intoxicating. Nothing worse than living life in an ordinary way. Who knows? You might even find significance on the windswept barrens of nonconformity. It’s not for everyone, but it might be for you. Many times the journey is as thrilling as the destination- assuming you get there. Even if you don’t, the trail must be cleared and markers set up for future generations. Some things are worth doing if the immediate rewards are not reaped, and lasting change may be the work of several lifetimes. Tethered mines fill the waters. Full speed ahead.
Sterl
« Go back