The Rescue

READ: PSALMS 34:17-32; 91:1-16; MATTHEW 14:25-31

The zipline course extended across seven platforms high above the jungle of Mexico. Halfway between the fourth and fifth platforms, I slid to a halt. I looked down at the ground seventy feet below. I looked up to see that one of my two clips was broken. I dangled there until a worker on the platform clipped his harness to the wire, hung upside down, and climbed hand over hand and foot over foot out to me. He snapped his clip onto mine and crawled to the next platform, dragging me to safety.

Ziplining was great until suddenly I was dangling over a looming disaster. I wonder if that’s what Peter felt like when he tried walking on water. Things were fantastic until he took his eyes off Jesus, focused on the wind and waves, and found himself sinking.

Has there been a time when you felt like you were about to fall or sink? When things are difficult, it’s easy to focus on our circumstances. But Jesus invites us to keep our eyes on Him. After all, the greatest rescue of all comes from Him. We have sinned and wandered far from God. But Jesus loves us so much that He lived, died, and was resurrected to make the way for us to be forgiven and enjoy eternal life with Him. When we receive His gift of forgiveness, we are made right in God’s eyes and rescued from condemnation. Now that’s a great rescue!

Because of the Lord’s great love, He will always rescue us. It might be someone crawling along a zipline wire to bring you to safety. It could be a friend comforting you in a time of need. Jesus reached out and took Peter’s hand when he was sinking. He will hold firmly to us also. He will bring us safely into His kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18). We won’t fall. • Mary Schilling

• Can you think of a time you felt like you were dangling above disaster? God can be trusted to save us from sin and death, and He can also be trusted to help us in difficult situations. His help might not be what we expect, but we can know that He is always with us and nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Consider asking Him for help with whatever you need today.

• Can you think of a time you struggled to trust God? This is perfectly normal, and we can talk to God about it anytime. He invites us to be totally honest with Him. In addition to talking to God, who is a trusted Christian you can talk to, such as a parent, pastor, youth leader, or friend?

• If you want to dig deeper into how God rescues us, read Psalms 18:19; 37:39; Revelation 21:1-5. And if you want to know more about His ultimate rescue through Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.

The LORD will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Psalm 34:22 (NIV)