In a Moment

The event took just 30 seconds, but it changed history, and its legacy still rings today. It was called the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. It took place in Tombstone, Arizona, on this day in 1881.

Tensions had been building after silver was discovered nearby in 1877. Those interested in maintaining order coalesced behind Wyatt Earp and his brothers, even though they had a reputation for being ruthless. The conflict that October day exploded when their adversaries (led by Ike Clanton) came to town, looking for supplies.

As the sides came face-to-face, a handful of shots were fired. It was never clear who began the shooting. When the dust cleared, three of Clanton’s colleagues were dead. The Earps were arrested but later released. And life in the West would never be the same.

The shootout has inspired books, films, and debates. Were the Earps really innocent? Were the Clantons really criminals? What was the real cause? And why did the gunfight make such an impact?

This fight reminds us of how quickly circumstances can change. The Bible tells us that God is beyond time and can move with incredible speed. Jesus will return “in the twinkling of an eye.” 2 Peter 3:8 reminds us, “with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Remember that God has no limits. Trust Him to act at just the right time. Even quickly!