{"id":38259,"date":"2020-03-27T21:05:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T21:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/preaching\/sermon-illustrations\/is-it-luck-or-something-more-strategic\/"},"modified":"2020-03-27T21:05:00","modified_gmt":"2020-03-27T21:05:00","slug":"is-it-luck-or-something-more-strategic","status":"publish","type":"sermon-illustrations","link":"https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/pastors\/preaching\/sermon-illustrations\/is-it-luck-or-something-more-strategic\/","title":{"rendered":"Is It Luck or Something More Strategic?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is no shortage of people today who would like to be used to do something important, something meaningful. But most of us aren’t really sure where to start. Maybe a few words of wisdom from someone who has become known for heroism can help us find a starting point.<\/p>\n\n

He pulled a person from a flaming vehicle in South Korea. He served on President Trump’s security detail during the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He also played a pivotal role in the rescue of junior Thai soccer players trapped in a cave, during which he saved the life of a Thai Navy SEAL. In recognition of those acts, US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kenneth O’Brien was named one of a dozen outstanding airmen of the year. But the Japan-based airman’s impressive résumé didn’t end there.<\/p>\n\n

On a flight back to the United States to receive the award, O’Brien noticed a 1-year-old choking. He immediately sprang into action, clearing the child’s breathing passage and performing CPR. He said, “I’m thankful that the child is okay and that I was able to help when the family needed support. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.”<\/p>\n\n

But O’Brien seems to be at the right place at the right time a lot lately. But maybe the uncanny number of heroic opportunities has nothing to do with luck. In an interview, O’Brien had this to say:<\/p>\n\n

\n

If someone needs to go do something dangerous, I volunteer. If someone needs a leader, I volunteer. I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and that’s what helped me stand out because I sought out key positions or responsibilities.<\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

He happens to be in the right place at the right time because he put himself in situations where he could be used. He volunteered and found himself being used.<\/p>\n\n

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