Uncharted Depths
by Craig Castleberry

Scripture: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” II Corinthians 4: 8-10 NLT

Theme: Perseverance, Faith, Dedication

Cast: Admiral, Ensign, and Commander

Setting: Two officers discuss their latest mission and the dangers they now face on a submarine approaching the sea floor. The Ensign has not yet entered.

Admiral:         Commander, what are our current readings?

Commander:  Admiral, we have passed the point of safe return. Should we attempt to surface?

Admiral:         No, we must complete this mission. We were directly assigned to carry out this      mission because of our unique abilities.

Commander:   Aye, aye, Admiral.

Admiral:         Steady as she goes. And never mind the giant octopus to our right.

Commander:  [Jumping and looking startled] Where?!

Admiral:         [Chuckling] Just a little submarine humor.

Commander:  [Looking disgruntled] Yes sir, very little.

Admiral:         What?

Commander:  [Standing straight again] I mean, that was very funny, sir.

[Ensign walks in and gives a report]

Ensign:           Asking permission to speak, sir.

Admiral and Commander: [Together] Granted.

Admiral:         I said it first. Go ahead, ensign.

Ensign:          [Looking very relaxed] Sir, the outer shell of the submarine is beginning to buckle under the pressure as we continue to dive. Water is leaking inside now.

Admiral:        Excellent, we must be getting close, now!

Commander: Excellent? Are you crazy? We will all die! And ensign, why are you so calm?

Ensign:          You haven’t heard? The submarine builder is with us, he is on board.

Commander: Are you serious?

Ensign:          Absolutely. Even more, he has assured us that this vessel is capable of completing this mission.

Commander: [Still very nervous] But we are leaking water, the shell is caving in on us slowly, we are going to be crushed!

[Admiral reaches for the communications phone. It can be a two way radio. The Admiral says…]

Admiral:       [Speaking into phone] Sir, the pressure is more than we can bear, would you please see us through this emergency? Yes, thank you, sir. [Hangs up phone]

Admiral:       [Laughing to himself] Commander, get a grip. The builder never said it would be easy. In fact, he knew we would experience great difficulty along the way.

Commander: If he knew that, then why did he send us?

Admiral:       Because he knew that through this experience, we would grow. And although the mission would seem impossible at times, he promised to be with us every moment.

Commander: Both of you seem so at ease, it makes me feel better just being around you.

Ensign:         Then, you should meet the builder. You will experience a peace like never before.

Admiral:       He is right, Commander. I know he wants to meet you.

Commander: Really?

Admiral:       Really!

Ensign:         [Looking up] Listen! Do you hear that? The submarine has leveled off. We are almost there.

Admiral:       Outstanding! You know the key to all of this is that we have maintained good communication with the builder and it is so much easier when we ask him to help us.

Ensign:         Sir, you are right.

Admiral:       Of course I am.

Ensign:         Exactly. The builder must grow tired of those who only beg him for things when they are in trouble. I am glad we were in close communication even before things got bad.

Admiral:       Ensign, those are insightful words, you are promoted to Captain.

Ensign:         Thank you, Admiral!

Admiral:       You are very welcome. Let us prepare for docking with the underwater station. This ride isn’t over yet.

Commander: Do you mind if I talk to the builder and thank him?

Admiral:        Be my guest, Commander. We meet with him daily. You will want to do the same. [Speaking louder now] Everyone to their stations!

Commander: [Picks up the phone.] Yes, sir. Thank you so much…you are right, we need to talk.

THE END

Bible Study

Have you ever thought of your entire life as being a mission?

As God created us, so did the builder of the sub in this story. Why are we so unwilling to trust the One Who made us?

What did the commander notice about the other two officers? They were at peace with the situation.

Do we often show to others (Those who are lost) how God can give us peace that they don’t have? Do they see God working in you?

In Corinthians it states that we are “hunted down.” Are you willing to be hunted down for the sake of Christ? Jim Elliot was willing...

The Faithfulness of a Missionary

http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/mighty/portraits/jim_elliot_213678.html

Are you ready to head to the uttermost depths and trust God fully?

Prayer: God, I thank you for those who have gone before me, committed to Your service, always showing Your love, and never swaying from the truth. God, you deserve my all because you gave Yours on a cross in my place. God, You are amazing and I commit myself to You today.