It was over thirty years ago. A coworker gave me a book that would transform my life: The Edge of Adventure by Keith Miller and Bruce Larson. Even though I had professed to be a Christian, I had faith in heaven but not much faith, or discipline, in living the day to day life. Finances were hard and work was challenging and unrewarding. Then I read the story of desert Pete:
“There’s a story told of a weary traveler who had hiked for miles across the desert with the hot sun beating down on him. His water supply was gone – and he knew that if he didn’t find water soon to quench his thirst, he would certainly die. In the distance, he spotted a deserted cabin, which brought hope that maybe water could be found there. He made his way to the cabin and discovered an old well. He frantically pumped the handle of the well to draw up the water – but all that came from the pump was dust. Then he noticed a tin can tied to the pump, with a note inside. The note read:
Dear Stranger –
This pump is all right as of June 1932. I put a new sucker washer in it, and it should last for quite a few years. But the washer dies out and the pump needs to be primed. Under the white rock, I buried a jar of water, out of the sun and corked up. There’s enough water in it to prime the pump, — but not if you drink some first. Pour about 1⁄4 of the water into the pump and let her soak for a minute to wet the leather washer. Then pour the rest medium fast and pump like crazy — You’ll get water. Have faith. This well has never run dry.”
What would you do? Have you been to the point where there is no more patience, no more money, no energy and it seems no hope? You are thirsty in every way possible. And then, you discover this small gift, one that would quench your thirst at least for a moment. And the note promises even more blessing than you need. But what if it is a hoax, or what if the pump is beyond priming, and the little jar of water would be wasted away into the sand?
The faith of Job has to be poured out every day. You may have already given up your house, lost your job, your income, your belongings, your hobbies and toys, your friends and family, even your life ambitions, health and personal identity. There is still more in your heart that needs to be poured out…in faith. And then, the adventure begins.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1