Nearly Drowned
It was a beautiful August day at the beach in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. But what started out as a lovely, carefree day- morphed quickly into a potential nightmare. I share this story with you now, praying that God will use what I learned- as a good reminder for all reading this:
We’d been looking forward to this ladies weekend retreat for months. My four friends and I were finally at the beach, taking in the waves and sun! Soon after we arrived at the beach, Monica and I decided to take a swim to cool off a bit. At first, we stayed close to the crowded beach, content with the small, foamy waves. But soon, those smaller waves became boring, and so we decided to go out deeper for the bigger, more exciting waves.
We began to swim out a little too far, and the current began to carry us farther and farther away from the shore. We weren’t but a few yards away from the dangerous rocks. As everyone back on the beach saw that there were these two girls headed for danger, the lifeguards began to whistle to get our attention. They whistled three times, but we didn’t hear it. Anna, who was watching us, began to frantically wave and shout, “Come back, come back!” I saw her, and tried to get Monica’s attention, knowing that we weren’t in a good place. But it was too late. I was strong enough to fight the monstrous tide, and pull away into calmer waters. But when I looked for my friend, I saw to my horror, her struggle to stay above water. I began to go back for her, and realized that I was becoming tired and couldn’t feel the bottom of the sea. That’s when I started to cry, “help! someone help!” Monica reached for me and cried out, “Katie, I can’t reach the bottom!” I couldn’t get to her and that’s when I realized that I would go under with her, if God didn’t intervene- quick. Each wave, took her further away from me and I felt powerless to rescue her. Panic hit and I began to pray, “Jesus, oh Jesus, save us!” I couldn’t help but think, ”This is it- I’ll be seeing my Jesus face to face in a few moments.” Not two seconds later, I saw lifeguards rushing out to save Monica (who was farther out then I was). As soon as she was safe, the waters calmed and I was able to break free from the waves and swim to safety.
Everyone on the beach was looking at the dangerous scene we played out before them. My friends who were on shore watching, were near tears. Although I realized the gravity of what had happened (and what could have happened), Monica didn’t fully understand how dangerous the situation really was. She thought her embarrassing rescue wasn’t that necessary and that she could have “handled it.” (She was a swimmer years ago, and was confident in the water.) Later, I took her aside and spoke very gently what I felt God wanted us to learn from the frightful experience.
Sometimes, we get too overconfident in ourselves and abilities, and venture out a little too far. We know of the potential danger, yet we continue to go in the wrong direction. Everyone watching us can see that we’re headed for disaster. They call out warnings and whistles, “come back to shore! you’re too far out!” But in pride, we get cocky and say, “Don’t worry- I can handle this!” Before we know it, we’re in “over our heads”- headed for the dangerous rocks and even potential death. We can only go so long before the tide is too strong, draining us from any strength. Someone might even try to rescue us (like I tried to do for Monica), but can’t, and almost drown right along with us. But God in His mercy is The Lifeguard! In the day that He hears our cry, He reaches out, and comes to our rescue. What a Saviour!
Monica did receive what I said, and she learned from the ordeal. I learned, too… sometimes I see a soul “drowning” and headed for death, and I want to swim out and save them. But I am human, too, with human strength. I cannot do the saving. If I try to, I become caught in the current, and can drown right along side the one I’m trying to rescue. I can only give warnings and point them to the only One who can deliver. Thank you Jesus for saving us both!
May we all stay close to the shore. Close to God and His watchful, protective eye. May we never dare go where He is not. May we gratefully heed His warnings, His guidelines, His rules… for they are only for our safety.
What about you?
- Are there areas in your life where you are straying from Him, foolishly venturing out into “forbidden waters?” (i.e wrong thoughts, sinful movies and books, peer pressure, compromising relationships)
- Do you honor, obey and appreciate the “lifeguards” in your life (i.e. parents, pastor, Holy Spirit)?
- Do you ever get overconfident in your own abilities to stay strong in the midst of temptation?
- Do you ever find yourself ignoring and despising God’s protection over you? (i.e. rules and standards that parents set, etc.)
- Do you believe that God can save you, no matter how “far” you “swim” away from Him? (Just call upon Him, and HE WILL hear your cry!)
“Keep us Father, from getting ‘swept away’ with the tide… the ‘current’ flow that everyone else is following, with no thought of You. May we leave the saving to You, but may we be faithful to guide and point others in the right direction, helping them stay close to the shore. May we never be confident in our own selves- our own strength, leading others astray along with us. Help us appreciate and obey the lifeguards You’ve placed in our lives, for our protection. Thank You for being our Saviour!”