“13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13 KJV
There was a torrential storm that hit a town. The authorities warned that the nearby river was going to soon flood the city and advised everyone to evacuate. One of the citizens of this town was a very faithful Christian man. He heard this warning and decided to stay thinking, “I will trust God and if I am really in danger, He will send a divine miracle to save me.” As his neighbors were getting ready to leave they said, “Come with us; we have room in our car.” The man declined and said, “I have faith that God will save me.” So they left.
As the man sat on his porch, he watched the water rise. Soon, someone came by in a canoe. This man said, “The water is rising quickly! Come with me to safety.” The man declined once again and said, “No, I have faith that God will save me.” So the man in the canoe left.
As the water continued to rise and flood his house the man had to move upstairs. A police boat came by and they saw him sitting at a window. They said, “We are coming to save you!” The man replied,
The water still continued to rise quickly and the man had to retreat to the roof of his house. A rescue helicopter spotted him. A rescuer came down on a rope ladder and pleaded with the man to come with him. But, the man still refused, “No, God will save me!” After pleading some more, the man still refused. The helicopter finally left.
Soon the strong flood waters rose too high and swept the man away and he drowned. Once in heaven, the man stood before God and asked, “I trusted you and put all my faith in you. Why didn’t you save me?” God responded, “Yes my child, you did. And I gave you a warning. I sent a car and then a canoe. Next, I sent a boat and then a helicopter. But, you never would get in. What more did you want?” (Source: Unknown)
You have probably heard this story before. There are many different versions and the original author is unknown. I heard this story many years ago; however the message is timeless.
I have known for a while what I wanted to write about this week. As I was praying and getting ready to actually sit down and write the post I had planned, it didn’t seem quite right for this week. As I was praying and talking with God about what He did want me to write, He brought this story to my mind. I haven’t thought of this story in years. So, what was His message for me; why did He bring this story to my mind? As I was thinking over the story, He also brought several recent major events and situations to my mind which all happen to be completely unrelated. The one overarching theme that I DID find – they are all major life changing Moments of Brewing in the lives of several dear friends and myself. Moments where we need God’s help or drowning WILL occur. God led me to this verse.
“13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13 KJV
It all started coming together. God was whispering His message to my heart. One I needed to hear. One He asked me to share with you, sweet friends.
First and foremost, God is with you! He is right there holding your hand. He WILL help you! That is a promise stated in Isaiah 41:13. Believe it! Claim it! Know in your heart God is there – even if He is silent! He is working on your behalf. He is gathering equipment and supplies. He is devising a rescue mission and assembling your team. Your rescue mission is very specific to you and your situation. Certain situations require very detailed, intricate plans. God is so GREAT with details; He will not miss a single one! Sometimes rescue missions take time to implement so every detail is in place. Wait on God’s perfect timing.
Secondly, you have to be open and alert. You may come up with a plan of what YOU think your rescue mission should look like. For example, Jesus should return to earth right now. Although this would be nice, that doesn’t mean this is God’s plan. Remember, He has a very specific plan just you and your situation. You have to be open to His plan and alert to be able to see His help when it comes. His help comes in all forms. Will God send Jesus – it could happen. Will He send an angel – possibly, in some form or fashion. Your angel my be an earthly angel. Maybe it’s a boat. Or maybe it’s a random comment from a stranger that God uses. Maybe it’s a picture you see or something you read. Maybe it’s a difficult conversation with a dear friend or family member that challenges you. Maybe God will provide a resource or opportunity. You just never know. God is so creative! After all, He created the earth and everything on it. You never know what He will use in your rescue mission. This is what we CAN learn from the story – if you are not alert and open to God’s rescue mission, you WILL miss it.
There was a third principle God whispered to my heart related to this story. God’s rescue mission will require action on your part. First of all, you need to be in tune with God in order to recognize His rescue mission. Since God has given you the privilege of free will, you have to choose a relationship with Him. A relationship with Him requires intentional choices, actions, and behaviors. Secondly, God can provide all kinds of resources, opportunities, and help; but, if you are not willing to take the help and use it, it does nothing for you. You can be in tune with God and know the boat is His rescue mission. However, if you refuse to accept His help and actually get up and climb into the boat – well, the storm will eventually sweep you away. You may be thinking, “Well, if His plan was as simple as climbing into a boat, then I could do that!” Sometimes the action required is much more challenging than climbing into a boat. This is your Brewing Ground. God never promised that your rescue mission would be easy. He DID promise that He is right there with you and will help you. He will equip you to handle your rescue mission. After all, it is a rescue mission – it is meant to save something.
This is a perfect example of God’s refining fire talked about in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of God’s Refining Fire series. We are found, broken, crushed, washed, put through the fire multiple times, purified, then still go through the process to be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece. He has planned a rescue mission to save us from the rocks, mire, and muck we are buried under. God is right there with you. Will you be open and alert to His rescue mission? Will you take action when help arrives?
Have you ever known anyone like the man in the story? Have there been times in your life when you were that man? Did they/you realize it before or after “drowning”? Comment below!
Let’s Brew!
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