Rescue by Tractor

This winter, when the snow was upon us, our driveway turned into a slippery surface, which made travelling on it somewhat tricky. Unfortunately, our small team car skidded off the road and ended up with its front in the ditch. My colleague Johann was called out to see how he could help.

Now he’s a strong guy, but even he’s not up to the task of lifting a car single-handedly out of a ditch. The best possible solution would be for a decent-size tractor to pull the car out. Thankfully, just then, one of the neighbouring farmers passed, and Johann was able to get his attention. In a matter of minutes, our little car was rescued.

We were running an event whilst all of this was going on, and, as we prayed for the guests, the Lord used this episode to provide us with a powerful illustration. Just as the car was in the ditch, some of the guests we were caring for also felt completely stuck and were awaiting rescue. But we realised that, just as Johann was unable to lift up a car, so we, as a team, were unable to truly lift the person out of that place. And, just as Johann needed to get the farmer’s attention, we needed to pray to the Lord for His rescue.

It actually provided us with a good picture for prayer ministry. People might look to those offering help and hope, believing they can rescue them, but they can’t. All of us are only human. Only Jesus can truly rescue, help effectively, deliver us, heal us and set us free. Yet there is a role for all of us to play. We need to be able to come alongside others, helping them know they’re not alone, and together with them, seek the help of God.

Perhaps you feel as if your car has got stuck, and you’re hoping someone will rescue you. Be encouraged to start looking to Jesus. Another human being can’t be your Saviour. Or perhaps you’re someone who’s trying to help others, but you find that you’re unable to do so effectively. In that case, too, look to Jesus. Just as that friendly neighbour of ours was more than happy to help, likewise Jesus is ready and willing to come to our rescue. What we need to do is to invite Him in. Doing so might be the most powerful act we ever engage in.

To give you the outcome of the story of our little car. After it was rescued, it needed a bit of TLC in the garage, and now it runs even better than it did for years. Be encouraged!

Prayer: Lord, I ask You to come to our rescue, both for us and those we’re seeking to help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.