The unknown can stop hope's possibility
Several generations ago during one of the most turbulent desert wars in the Middle East, a spy was captured. A general of the Persian army was a man of intelligence and compassion. He had adopted, as the story records, an unusual custom. Permission was given to the prisoner to make a choice of either facing the firing squad or choosing to walk through the “black door.”
As the moment of execution drew near, the general ordered the spy to be brought before him for a final interview.
“What shall it be, the firing squad or the ‘black door'?” the general asked.
The prisoner hesitated. Finally, after some time, he chose the firing squad. It wasn't long until gunfire in the courtyard announced that the firing squad had fulfilled its directive.
The general stared at his boots. Then he turned to his aide and said, “You see how it is with men? They will always prefer the known to the unknown even if it means facing certain death. It is a characteristic of people to be afraid of the unknown.”
“What is behind the ‘black door'?” the aide asked.
“Freedom,” replied the general, “and I've known only a few men brave enough to choose the ‘black door.'”
We face the unknown every day of our life. Choices won't always be a matter of life and death. Taking risks of the unknown may increase our freedom and success.
The Rev. Paul Killingsworth serves as pastor at Yuma First Assembly.
