The Rescue Business
While in St. John’s, Mom, Dad, Mike, Sarah, Ivey, and I went on a snorkeling adventure. The captain told us since it was such a beautiful day that he would take us to a place that only scuba divers get to go to because of the currents. Like others, I was ecstatic. As we got out of the boat, Mom, Dad, and Sarah followed the rest of the group. Mike, Ivey, and I went the opposite way so we wouldn't be in a crowd. The captain was right - the reef was beautiful! I was holding Ivey's hand as we used our flippers and enjoyed the scenery. Mike was ahead of us. After a while, I felt I was struggling due to the current. I was not going anywhere, and I could not turn around without fighting the current. If we kept on our path, we would have farther to go and would not be able to be seen by the boat. The waves were hitting us in the face, and I was getting tired. I felt as if I was beginning to panic, and I did not want to alarm Mike or Ivey, so I said to Mike, "I need you to take Ivey." I did not realize he, too, was struggling. The captain had said at any point that you needed help to hold your arm up. I noticed lots of people being helped onto the boat. In fact, most people were back on the boat. I was praying and trying to calm myself so that I could help Mike and Ivey. It went against everything Mike wanted to do, but he finally raised his hand! Immediately the captain came and got Ivey, and we were able to get ourselves back to the boat. Many of the people were sick, some crying, and I was just thankful to see that Mom, Dad, and Sarah had come back to the boat immediately.
Isn’t that how it is with life? We can do it ourselves - until we can’t! When we have exhausted all limits, we cry out. It is hard to admit we need rescuing. I thought of Elwyn's sermon that he gave on his last Sunday as our summer pastoral intern at Pine Valley United Methodist Church. Psalm 107:2, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe..." There are many Bible stories of those who need rescuing. They are lost in the desert, locked up in prison, afflicted and near death, and perishing at sea. In each situation, God rescues them and restores them. We are never beyond rescue! Our God can do anything! He has supernatural powers! He can guide us out of the desert. He can break chains. He can calm a stormy sea. God can do whatever it takes!
Elwyn mentioned that this was not a normal summer for us, but it had been an impactful summer. I have to agree. One day, when we can look back on this time of uncertainty, I am sure that we will see the awesome things God did! We are all being burdened by outside circumstances, and then we have our own burdens with family and friends, and then we have our own internal issues. As Elwyn said, when the waves rise, we must fix our eyes upward. For that is when desperation can give way to inspiration, and worry can give way to worship! When Peter thought he was drowning, he was being saved! Matthew 14:29-33, “Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”
It is hard for most of us to admit we need rescuing, but we all do because we are sinful. No matter how hard we try, we are not good enough. Romans 3:12, "All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." We cannot make ourselves good enough for God. We need Him to rescue us, and that is what He does!
God sent His beloved Son to live on this earth so that He would know our human struggles. He was one of us. He was put on the cross where He died for our sins. This gift of forgiveness is free to all who will accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. There is no condemnation for those who take refuge in Him. But those who reject His salvation will pay the penalty for their sins.
When we get caught up in worldly circumstances, we, like Peter, lose focus. God will rescue us! God uses rescued people to rescue people. God wants you to work for Him. Psalm 18:16, "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." He can rescue you from your sin, shame, and bondage. If you need rescuing, call for help! It is that easy because God is in the rescue business!