This story did not come originally from my minister as I have heard it frequently over the years, but I remember the first time I heard it and what it said to me.
There is a flood and the person in their home stays calm saying, "The Lord will save me."
Soon there's a knock at the door. It's their neighbor in a rowboat.
"Get in, the water is rising, and we'll get you to safety."
"No, the Lord will save me. Go on." And they motion the boat away.
The water continues to rise so they move up to the second floor as they wait confidently.
Now they hear an engine and look out the balcony door. It's a speed boat with the volunteer fire fighters.
"Climb in and we'll get you to safety!" They shout as they idle the boat.
"No, the Lord will save me. Go on." And they motion the boat away. Reluctantly the boat puts away.
The water continues to rise so they move up to the roof as they wait confidently.
They watch as a helicopter comes flying over and hovers right over their house. A rope ladder drops and a voice over a loudspeaker says, "Climb up and we'll get you to safety!"
They cup their hands to be heard over the engine as they shout, "No, the Lord will save me. Go on." And they wave them off.
The helicopter flies away.
The water rises. The person drowns.
In heaven they stand before the Lord confused.
"What happened? I thought you would save me?"
"I don't know what happened," the Lord said. "I sent two boats and a helicopter for you!"
I understood two important points from this tragic tale.
1. We might miss God's miracles because we do not recognize that it is a miracle.
2. God can use ordinary people like you or I to be someone's miracle.
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Lifelong Impact from a Sermon and Other Life Lessons
Non-FictionHow my perception of the role a minister has in the church was changed. This is a true account that has impacted me for over 35 years. Plus other sermons that moved me as well as other stories. I am impacted by emotional, moving events and ideas tha...
