Rescued
19 August, 2008 - If a year ago God had given me a million attempts at predicting some of the things what I would go through this year this would have been my list . . .
If a year ago God had given me a million attempts at predicting some of the things what I would go through this year this would have been my list:
- Enjoying another year with my wife and kids
- Taking on tough issues at work.
- Celebrating another year with my small group
My son and I almost drowning would not have made that list.
On July 16 2007 and my family was on vacation just south of Mexico. All week my son had been wanting to go to the beach. It seemed like the beach time had always been crowded out by adult time. So we decided that we would make it happen this day. We would do some shopping then head to the beach. After wandering from store to store the day was wearing on and it seemed like beach time was getting crowded out again.
There was a well populated beach just south of where we were yet that required us going in the opposite direction that we would be travelling later in the evening. So we decided to stop at another beach. It was a bit deserted there was a life-guard stand but we noticed there was no life guard on duty. The waves looked so inviting.
We were just going to play around in the waves for about 15 minutes.
A small voice inside me warned “Mmmm... These waves look a bit odd a bit turbulent.” Despite this - while screaming at the top of our lungs and splashing each other - Davy and I jumped in the cold water attempting to bodysurf a wave or two.
The rest of the family were contented to wander along the beach collecting shells and stones. Everybody was having a good time.
Before I realised what was going on we had been pulled 10 yards out. I swam over to Davy and by the time I got close to him I could tell he had realised something was wrong. His eyes were filled with panic as he struggled to stay afloat.
“I can’t help” he called out. I cannot describe to you the chilling terror that gripped me as I heard these words from my son. Real concern turned into unbridled panic. I had to get to him. Davy clung to me and stopped swimming; we both went under.
I looked back at the beach in total disbelief at how far out we’d been taken. On shore no-one had no idea what was happening to us and that we could not get back in.
I concluded Davy and I did not have enough strength to return to shore. Nor would anyone on shore be able to reach us.
We were going to die in 5 maybe 10 minutes.
I pictured a double funeral – We were about to die and no one knew it. How could we lose our lives as a result of 15 minutes of fun.
Would Davy’s death be my last memory? Would my death be his?
What happened next saved our lives.
My focus went to Davy. “We can’t panic’ I told him ‘I need you to swim not to cling to me.”
Davy’s panic turned to resolve and he started to swim again. I didn’t have enough strength for a victim but I did have enough strength for a contributor.
When we start heading in the right direction God provides hope along the way grace along the way resources and direction insight and answers. But we have to get started. We must move on what we know and head in God’s direction.
Isaiah 40:29-41 “He gives grace to the weary.....but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength”
Hope specialises in those moments where we can’t see our way out. When we can’t see the end of the game we often bale.
What are you drowning in? Where do you need a speck of hope?
A ministry challenge?
Coping in today’s financial climate?
Trying to get life balance?
A relationship turned sour?
When we look at the distance we are from shore (The place where we have a solid footing) we can decide it’s not going to be possible. Those situations can become overwhelming yet God reminds us that He is here. We listen to his words “I need you to swim.” I need you to get going again. You don’t need enough hope to get the whole thing resolved you just need enough hope to make the next move.
What’s your next move?
