It was a red flag day at the Warren Dunes on Lake Michigan. The waves were pretty strong and as I pulled into the parking lot, I could see a massive dark blue/purple shelf cloud coming across the lake. I took a bunch of photos as people began frantically taking down umbrellas and tents and pulling coolers across the sand. The wind had picked up and a few drops had begun to fall. After walking around for a bit, I got into the Subaru just as the rain poured down. I said, well my gosh, I drove all the way here so I am going to swim. I decided to just wait it out, which was smart because 15 minutes later, most of the people were gone and the rain had passed on through. Sun and clear skies were back and the beach was now a lot more open.
After I took my swim and walked down the beach, I got changed into dry clothes and was going to read for a bit on the concrete patio. I noticed a bunch of people running and clustered around the water’s edge, and then heard the sounds of the sirens. Four or five police cars pulled up in front of the concession area and I heard someone mention that someone was out really far — possibly a lady with a kid. I pulled out my camera and zoomed way in and saw a lady struggling to keep hold of a foam boogie board. Then an ATV rolled up, pulling a rescue boat. Within a few moments, they launched it and were on their way to get her. They made out to where she was, which was a good distance from shore, and pulled her aboard. Everyone who was on shore watching applauded as she exited the boat and was reunited with her husband.
A little while later, I was walking the beach and saw them sitting there talking to each other and I went up and told her that I was praying as I saw her out in the water. I was literally asking God to give her strength to hold on and keep her head above water. She thanked me and said that she was embarrassed that it had happened. I said, “Don’t be embarrassed! These waves are strong right now, and sometimes they take you out quicker than you think. I am glad you were able to hang on until that rescue boat picked you up.” Her husband said, ” Me too! I had them call 911 as soon as I realized that I couldn’t get to her.” They both said they were grateful for those who were praying and glad for another day of life.
Isn’t that how life is though? There are red flags flying that should give us pause. They say, danger! Warning! Don’t do this! Use extreme caution! This is risky! And some times, we choose to proceed anyway. We ignore the warning; take the risk. Because at first it might not seem that bad. It’s like, sure, the waves are a little rough, but hey, I can handle it. But sometimes the waves are a little more than we really can handle; suddenly we find ourselves swept out further than we planned… then we gulp and realize that this is not a good situation. We might need help to get out of this one.
The scriptures are full of rescue stories — from Noah and the great flood, Jonah and the big fish, Israel and the escape from Egypt, the four boys in the furnace of fire, to Daniel and the den of lions, these moments (and many others) in history that have been passed down over the years give us hope that in the midst of crazy struggle and horrible situations, there is hope for rescue. David writes in Psalm 72, “When I cry for help, He rescues me.” Because each of us holds to a hope is that there is someone bigger, stronger, or faster who says, “I’m here with you. Take my hand and let me pull you into the boat.”
When we think of the story of Christ, we think of an “ultimate rescue.” Christ came to earth to rescue us from darkness and evil, from violence, and from all that steals joy and love. He came to rescue us from the grip of death and show us the way to true life, to hope, and to peace. His love rescues us. In Psalm 40, says (in my paraphrase) “I called out to God to be rescued and waited patiently for Him. He heard my cry for help and stretched out his hand. He pulled me out of the quicksand that was sucking me down into despair, cleaned me off and set me on solid ground. He had to steady me as I started walking again, but now I am excited and singing as I go. My song is praise and thanksgiving — and many will hear it because I can’t stop sharing of His goodness and love. People will be amazed by the testimony of His great works and will put their trust and hope in Christ.”
We all get a little lost sometimes. We get pulled in by the waves of life and need help. Sometimes we need a boat and other times we just need a hand. May you know that God is always near. May you know that He has placed others in our paths in such times to be angels of blessing and agents of rescue.
And hey, you never know… you might be the one doing the rescuing!