Do you remember the man who saved the world one day? His name was Vasily Arkhipov. It was October of
1962. The Soviet Union was transporting missiles with nuclear warheads to Cuba where they could reach
virtually any city on the East coast, including Washington D.C. Ships carrying the missiles from the Soviet
Union were coming across the Atlantic and were approaching Cuba and President Kennedy ordered a blockade
to turn them back. Things grew tenser as dozens of warships from both countries were facing each other. The
Soviet submarine B-59 was on station near Cuba with a nuclear torpedo. They were being pursued by U.S
Navy destroyers and they were subjected to depth charges meant to drive them away. The B-59’s captain had
lost communication with other ships and believed that war had broken out. The captain wanted to launch his
nuclear weapon against the U.S. ships. Vasily Arkhipov was second in command of the B-59 and in order to
launch, all three officers had to agree to authorize the use of the nuke. The other two officers believed that
nuclear war had already started and authorized the launch. Arkhipov said “No”. And protocol prevented them
from launching, what they didn’t know would the be the first nuclear weapon in the conflict. His refusal
prevented a nuclear escalation and potentially saved the world from global nuclear war. One man stood alone
and did the right thing. As a follower of Jesus, the time will come when you too will have to stand your ground.
The voices all around you will tell you what is true and real…and it won’t be. At that point you will choose.
You will either give in to the voices that pummel you or you will strap on the belt of truth…God’s Word. And
then put on God’s armor…which is his righteousness. And you will have the opportunity to say no…and stand
for the truth. And in that moment…you will become a hero in heaven. Maybe not so much here on earth…but
always remember that the flowers will always fade and so do people…but God’s word will last forever. When
God gives you that opportunity, let your faith be translated into action and stand your ground. You won’t know
until later the impact of your courageous action.
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Ephesians 6:14 NLT Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
Remember I’m praying for you,
PJ
Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Ephesians 6:14 NLT Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
Remember I’m praying for you,
PJ