Cheyenne Disaster

​Meditation
Romans 13:14—But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.
 

By invitation, Tom walked in to see his friend the Commander of Hunter Stuart Air Force Base.  As he sat down, the colonel asked the young major if he knew anything about the Cheyenne.  Tom knew it was a special gunship designed to help with the war effort in Viet Nam. The colonel said to him, “Wouldn’t you like to know who it is who will pick the team to fly this ‘hot item’?” Tom almost fell out of his chair with excitement when the colonel then said, “You’re looking at him.”  Then he further stunned Tom by telling him that after looking at his record Tom was not only qualified to fly the Cheyenne, he was the colonel’s choice to lead the team.  After Tom said he would be honored to take the assignment, the commander picked up the phone and called the Department of the Army to confirm his choice. Then he told Tom, “Well, your career has just been set for the next ten years.”

Tom and his wife Carolyn were at the Georgia coast to get some personal time together.  While reading through the book of Esther, they concluded that Tom should turn down the assignment. They further concluded that God was calling them into ministry.  After returning to Fort Benning, Georgia, he resigned his commission.  Shortly thereafter, while a civilian, he read in the Stars and Stripes newspaper that the Cheyenne helicopter project was cancelled for cost overruns.  He and Carolyn were thankful for the decision they made.

Twenty-five years later former military friends came out to see them.  As Tom and his Army buddy talked, he asked Don if he had ever shared with him the story about the Cheyenne helicopter.  When his friend said “No,” Tom proceeded to tell the story.  When he got to the part about being offered to lead the project, Don’s face turned “white as a sheet.”  Don asked Tom if he knew why the project was cancelled.  Tom answered because of cost overruns.  Don shook his head and said, “I was the Chief Investigating Officer on the case.  On the maiden voyage with the Army at the controls, the ship came apart in midair and ALL ON BOARD WERE KILLED!!!”  Then Tom’s face turned white.  Had he taken that assignment he undoubtedly would have been on that aircraft.*

So often we make decisions based on how we perceive we will gain prestige, profit or pleasure.  The Bible warns us not to satisfy fleshly desires. What we see as gain may actually be a trap or result in disaster.  To “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” simply means to follow Him, to do what He asks.  Are you willing to give up what will burn to gain what is eternal?  Tom and Carolyn made the right choice!  Today, countless lives have experienced blessing and found joy because they faithfully put on Jesus.  
 
Inspiration
I obtained my highest wishes but was surprised to find that I had grasped a shadow.—Henry Martyn
 
*Story shared by Carolyn Eynon in their 2002 November newsletter.
 
©2012 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box. Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)