Rescue Me!
by John Berry
I was standing on the beach near my house and looking out to the sea, which was a bit rough after a heavy storm the previous night. As I looked, a lifeboat came powering round the headland, obviously on a bit of a mission. I wondered what ship was in trouble, but all I could see was a medium sized yacht moored a few hundred metres offshore. It seemed however that the yacht was in difficulties, as the lifeboat veered towards it and with very skilful piloting came alongside. For a short while there appeared to be a conversation going on between the occupants of the yacht and the crew of the lifeboat. The lifeboat then drew away a bit, but continued to circle the yacht for some time, until eventually the yacht was able to start its engine and slowly move off on its journey, as the lifeboat followed for a while then pulled away to return to harbour. Whatever the problem had been, the lifeboat crew had been able to assist and the stricken yacht was restored to normality. Not exactly a drama, but definitely a rescue and relief for the worried crew of the yacht.
This made me think of the words of the Lord in Psalm 91: `I will rescue him ... He will call upon me and I will answer him`. Maybe we think of rescue in terms of being saved from death to life in Jesus, or of miraculous intervention in some high drama, but this incident reminded me that God is here in the ordinary difficulties of life. He is ready to respond when we call on Him, when our `engine` breaks down, when we are becalmed in windless seas, or when the storm breaks over us. Whatever our need, God is here. Some years ago there was a popular song entitled `Rescue Me` sung by Eretha Franklin. Perhaps it was so popular because a lot of folk identified with it as representing their own crises. Pity they often turned to the wrong rescuer!
Many people feel that their problems are too insignificant to worry God with, as He only deals with the big issues of life. How wrong that is! The Lord is concerned whatever our needs, and is ready to respond in our times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Whatever your situation, when you need rescuing, call upon the Lord and He will answer.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being the supreme Rescuer, and thank You that You continue to care for us in the dramas of life, no matter how seemingly small they may be. Remind us Lord to call on You first, and not to assume we are too insignificant for Your concern. And also, Lord, make us aware of others in need so we can be Your `lifeboat` in their times of trouble too. Amen
John Berry entered the Baptist Ministry more than 40 years ago, and joined the Team at Ellel Glyndley Manor in 2007 with his wife Jennie. They have both now retired from the team but remain as part of the Teaching and Associate Ministry Teams at Glyndley. John and Jennie have seven Grandchildren.
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