I remember watching
a story on the news years ago that left an impression on me. There was a man
stranded in the ocean and he floated on his back and tread water for over 24 hours. The news camera from
the helicopter showed the man surrounded by hammerhead sharks. These sharks were
circling him and he was completely unaware. The coast guard boat was behind him
calling out to him trying to rescue him. He was completely unaware of their
presence also. I can imagine this man was completely drained. He was working so hard
to stay above water. He had no idea of the danger that surrounded him, nor did
he know his rescuer was right behind him desperate to reach him.
There are so many
who are like this man spiritually. They are drained and trying so hard just to
keep their head above the water. All the while, they too are unaware of satan
circling them and seeking to devour them. Just like the coast guard boat, God is
calling and reaching out to them. If they would only turn their eyes to Him,
they may realize the danger they are in and cry out to the One who is able to
rescue them. The rescuers on the boat were calling out to him "just turn
around and have a look, you're saved!"
This man finally did
see his rescuers but was too weak to swim to them. They reached down and pulled
him out of the treacherous waters filled with sharks and brought him to safety.
I am more than
thankful that God rescued me when I was treading water, fearing I may drown in
my sin and mistakes. He saw me trying to live life in my own power and strength. I was completely unaware of satan and his plans to utterly destroy me. When I was weak and drained, I cried out to Jesus and He reached down and pulled
me to Himself. He rescued me from my enemy and myself!
I'm sure that man
felt relieved and safe once he reached the boat. He was probably shocked when he later watched
the video of the sharks surrounding him. I can look back on my life and see how
God has protected me and waited on me. He is so patient and faithful! He was
calling and reaching out to me but I was unaware, He never once gave up on me
and He will not give up on you! He is relentless and His love is consuming.
Let
us praise Him today for rescuing and saving us. For those who are still unaware, let us
love them and show them the same grace that God has shown us. Let us pray that
they will see God longing to reach down and rescue them and that they will let Him do so.
"He reached down from on high and took hold of
me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from
my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my
disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me." Psalm 18:16-19
