Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

Perhaps you’re at a “breaking point” of sorts – one more proverbial “straw on the camel’s back” and you’re done. Marriage, relationships, finances, your job, your health, raising kids,…take your pick at a number of issues that can make us want to give up & let go of our faith & hope in Christ. But don’t let go.

The following story is true, recorded by Craig Larson & Leadership Journal. It proves that, although our present circumstances may appear unbearable, holding on is definitely worth the effort. Here’s the fascinating story:

On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine, to Boston, Henry Dempsey, the pilot, heard an unusual noise near the rear of the small aircraft. He turned the controls over to his co-pilot and went back to check it out.

As he reached the tail section, the plane hit an air pocket, and Dempsey was tossed against the rear door. He quickly discovered the source of the mysterious noise. The rear door had not been properly latched prior to takeoff, and it flew open. He was instantly sucked out of the jet.

The co-pilot, seeing the red light that indicated an open door, radioed the nearest airport, requesting permission to make an emergency landing. He reported that the pilot had fallen out of the plane, and he requested a helicopter search of that area of the ocean.

After the plane landed, they found Henry Dempsey – holding onto the outdoor ladder of the aircraft. Somehow he had caught the ladder, held on for ten minutes as the plane flew 200 mph at an altitude of 4000 feet, and then, at landing, kept his head from hitting the runway, which was a mere twelve inches away. It took airport personnel several minutes to pry Dempsey’s fingers from the ladder.

Christ could’ve “let go” when He was on the cross. But He didn’t. When you feel like you’re losing your grip, “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Soli Deo Gloria, Nick