I was eighteen full of myself in great physical shape training for college football when a buddy and I decided without much thought to swim across Lake Altoona in Georgia. I was not an accomplished swimmer. Recognizing way too late while in the middle of the lake, there was no way I could get to the other side nor retreat to the original jump off point. Fighting the choppy water with less than stellar strokes, I was totally exhausted and realized I was going to drown without help. I screamed to my buddy that I could not make it not knowing that he was an extremely proficient, powerful swimmer and a trained lifeguard. Being totally wiped out physically, I had nothing left to help him get me back to shore. If I was ever going to be safe again, it was going to be up to him. Thank God, he rescued me.
Many of us are in the middle of an overpowering, choppy patch in our lives seriously doubting if we will ever be safe again. We turn into ourselves, ashamed to ask for help from God or others fearfully treading water uncertain if we can ever find peace and calm again. I can assure you that you can be saved, but you have to call out for help. Once you do, God will respond…with God all things are possible. You can be rescued.
Hope, light, love, power, and peace are found in Jesus.
- “Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13)
- “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15)
- “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13)
- “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever” (2 Timothy 4:18)
We have an enemy who will throw fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16) and roar loud paralyzing noises (1 Peter 5:8) desiring to keep us in darkness. Let me assure you, the devil is no match for Jesus. 1 Peter 5:7 is a reassuring verse, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” “Cast” is a verb that pictures a fisherman casting his nets from the boat into the water. Peter tells us to cast our “anxiety” (any hurt, habit, hang-up, fear, uncertainty, or doubt) on him. If you do, verse 6 says that in “due time, He will lift you up”. Jesus “cares for you.”
Need to be rescued? He’s the Lifeguard. Cry out to Him.
Barnabas Man 