Missed Chance Story

“Kyle, I have to tell you, I am really excited about hunting this year,” said Phil. “ I know there is a real trophy in our area; I’ve been watching him all summer. He has a beautiful 10-point rack! It’s a crazy feeling, but that buck is the only thing on my mind lately.”

“Wow, that’s great Phil, I hope one of us has a chance to see him,” responded Kyle. “ I’m going over by the fence line. I’ll come over for lunch around noon. Maybe I’ll chase something to you. Good Luck!”

Kyle thought to himself, Phil is sure excited. I just can’t get into it this year. About the only thing I am really excited about lately is the “signs of the times.” I really believe that the time is near. The Bible tells us that the trumpet is going to sound, followed by a shout from heaven, and I am confident, along with all of the other brothers and sisters in Christ, that we will be caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus.1 I feel such a burden for my family and friends who are in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I pray somehow that I can witness to Phil. He is a real good friend and I don’t think he has ever accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. I just don’t think he understands the importance and meaning of a spiritual commitment and a true relationship with Jesus Christ.

It sure has been a beautiful morning, quiet too. Maybe the deer will move through here later. It’s about noon, I haven’t heard any shots, so I better go see how Phil is doing.

Lord I pray that you will lead me to share your love and your gift of salvation with Phil, I need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen"

“Hi Phil, you look upset, what happened?” asked Kyle.

“Kyle, you would not believe it! I missed my chance. I was standing here looking across the field daydreaming when I heard a twig snap and I looked behind me and there he stood. Before I could get turned around he jumped into the brush. It was him, the trophy buck I was telling you about, and he was huge! I missed my chance. I can’t believe it. That buck would have put my name in the record book! That was a chance of a lifetime at a trophy buck!”

“Come on down Phil; let’s take a break. That was quite an experience you had. Maybe you will get another chance at that buck tomorrow. There is a good chance he didn’t go too far. Phil, this may not be the best time but I need to talk to you about something very important.” Kyle went on. “You know, there is another chance and another book that I don’t want you to miss that is far more important than anything this world has to offer or any hunting record book for that matter.”

“Oh, what book could that possibly be? What do you mean?” responded Phil.

“It‘s the Book of Life Phil, and the chance to live eternally with our Heavenly Father.”2

“I don’t understand; what do you mean? Are you talking about heaven or something? You know I go to church. I am not sure what you’re getting at,” said Phil.

“I know you do Phil, but going through the motions will not put your name in the Book of Life and give you a secure life of eternity with the heavenly Father.” Explained Kyle. “Do you remember when that evangelist came to our town about two years ago?”

“Oh sure I remember him. I heard he got really excited when he preached.” Growing more and more interested in what Kyle had to say.

“When he gave the salvation message, it really convicted my heart.3 I realized that I was a sinner and that I was sorry for my sins and I asked Jesus Christ to forgive me.”4 Kyle went on. “I also realized that I cannot save myself and that I needed a Redeemer and I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart and forgive me.5 I asked Him to cleanse me and I accepted Him as my personal savior and I prayed that He would fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my life.6 Because of this I am assured of eternal life in heaven with the Heavenly Father.”7At that moment my name was written in the Book of Life, the only book that has eternal peace and security.8 The only record book that really matters.” Explained Kyle. “Since that moment I was saved and my life has never been the same.”

Phil responded “I have noticed a change in your personality Kyle, and I’m not the only one either. I heard other guys say that you never want to do the things we used to do. You don’t seem to swear any more, in fact lately, I feel a little guilty swearing around you.”

“I know Phil,” said Kyle. “I’m just not drawn to the things that the world has to offer. I think more about my family and home and how I can grow spiritually and how I can lead my family spiritually.” It’s a great feeling and a great life.9

“Sure I still have problems and challenges but the Lord helps me through them as he leads and guides my life. When I was saved and made that commitment to follow Christ, I placed all of my problems and concerns along with my sins at the foot of the cross. I have now placed my trust and faith in his power and wisdom to deal with any and all of the problems this sinful world places in my path. No problem is too big or situation too difficult for Jesus’ power and wisdom. In fact, nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ.”10

“Listening to you Kyle, I somehow get the feeling that you think you’re perfect or that you don’t do anything wrong, or that you even think bad thoughts.” said Phil.

“Not at all Phil. I struggle each and every day with sin and temptation.11 I have gained victories over some of my old habits of sin and temptation but I’m still human and I make plenty of mistakes. I am far from perfect Phil. The only difference is, I am forgiven, and you can be too.”11 explained Kyle.

“ I could use some forgiveness and spiritual help along with some guidance. My family, my wife and my kids all seem to be going in different directions, but then so am I when I think of it.” implored Kyle.

“Phil, I believe that it’s the responsibility of the head of the household to lead the spiritual path for the family. Once you take a spiritual stand God honors that decision and your family will also receive the blessing.” 12

“Are you sure that’s all there is to it?” asked Phil.

Kyle continued “Yes Phil, that’s all there is to it. The Bible tells us that all have fallen short from the glory of God and are in need of a Savior. The Bible also tells us that salvation is a gift, but you need to accept it with a sincere and open heart, turn from your present way of living and commit your life to that gift.13

But Phil, you also need to know that you can miss this chance to eternal life. Once that Heavenly trumpet sounds, Jesus shall rapture or call His Church and all of the born again Christians will be caught up in the clouds to meet our Savior and those left behind will remain on earth to suffer through the worst times earth has ever had or ever will experience. It’s called the ‘Tribulation’. It will be hell on earth and a time when God will have removed His Sprit from the earth. It will be a time when sin and the Antichrist will rule for seven years until the Second Coming of Christ. The chance of becoming a believer during this period of time will be very difficult as sin and evil will be the law of the land.14
Phil, don’t let your pride and sin stop you from making a decision now to trust and accept Jesus Christ as your savior.”15

“What about when I was baptized?” asked Phil. “I always thought that made sure we would go to heaven. What about what Pastor Dave said last Sunday during that infant baby’s Baptism? What does all that mean?”

“Phil, Baptism is an outward sign of your salvation. There are those who would want you to believe that baptism is all you need to do. Because there is no conviction of the heart, how can a baby make a commitment or a decision? It’s all a part of the illusion to make people think they are OK and forgiven for anything they say and do from birth to death. The Bible says you must be born again by the Sprit to enter the Kingdom of God and no one can come to the Father except through the Son. Not through baptism, good works or the words of someone else.”16

“I don’t know Kyle. It just seems so easy,” sighed Phil.

“God’s promise is honest and true and if you truly believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord you shall be saved.”17 responded Kyle.

“This may seem strange Kyle but I feel convicted inside right now!” exclaimed Phil. “Do you think it would it matter to God if I received the gift of salvation right now?”

“Phil, Jesus’ arms are open at all times and he is waiting for you right now.”18

“Kyle would you help lead me to a life with Jesus?”

“Phil, you have no idea how much I have prayed for this opportunity.”

“What do I say? What do I do?” asked Phil.

“Just be honest and sincere and let the Holy Sprit speak to your heart. If you would like, join me in this prayer,” said Kyle.

‘Dear Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and cannot save myself, I am sorry for my sins and I need you Lord Jesus to be my Redeemer. I believe you died for me on the cross at Calvary and paid the price for my sins, I accept your free gift of salvation and I invite you into my heart. I give you full control of my life and I ask you to cleanse me of all unrighteousness and lead me to be a servant and to live a fuller life with you Lord Jesus. Right now, through God’s grace, I am justified, I am cleansed and now by the power of the Holy Sprit I AM SAVED! Thank you Jesus, I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.’

Phil jumped up and said “Kyle, I feel great! It’s like a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you for your prayers and concern for me. I can’t wait to tell my wife and kids.”

“Hey Phil, where are you going? What about that trophy buck?” asked Kyle.

“He can wait. Right now I have a different book on my mind. I’m on my way to Heaven and I want to make sure my family is going with me!”

141 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 151 Corinthians 6:2 16 John 3:3 17Romans 10: 9,10,13 18 2 Peter 3:9

If you find yourself in Phil’s situation, consider making the same decision that Phil did. Don’t put if off any longer. Listen to your heart and come to know Jesus in a personal way. You will be glad you did and so will we as your life will never be the same.

If you know of someone who you would like to share this story with please feel free to do so and encourage others to do the same. Help us spread the Good News of Jesus Christ as fishers of men. As sportsmen in the field we have all had the opportunity to share special experiences with others. Let Gods salvation message be a message that many will relate to and respond to.

Keep this information for your own record based on of your decision and commitment. Place it in your Bible and refer to it from time to time and reflect on how it has changed your life.

"Heavenly father, on this day I have committed my heart and life to you through your son Jesus Christ and accept the gift of salvation promised to me in the bible. I pray that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide my life as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

This story and message brought to you by High Racks Inc.,

1Matthew 24:30-50  2Revelation 20:11-15  3Romans 3:23  4Romans 5:6-8  51 John 1:9
6John 16:15-16  71 John 5:12-13  8Revelation 20:12-15  9Matthew 6:19-21  10James 1:5
11Philippians 3:12-14  12 Acts 16:31  13 Ephesians 2:8-9