The train labored in the darkness, slowly snaking its way through the rugged canyons of the Rockies. Its eye of light was almost useless in the pouring rain. There was no way of knowing for sure if there were even any tracks ahead. The two grim-faced men in the engine knew that on ahead the tracks turned and twisted even more as they followed the canyon cut by the river. The sheer walls of these canyons in places hardly left any room for the railroad bed. As a result, the now raging river beside them was much too close for comfort.
“Jim, do you think we could back her out of here? I think the roadbed was a bit higher a mile or two back,” the fireman suggested.
Just then the two men ducked as a large object was thrown almost through the window into the side of the engine. They quickly saw that it was part of the track behind them—rail, ties and all! Now there could be no backing up or going forward either! The passengers on that train didn’t know that this furious storm had dumped six inches of rain in six hours. All of this rain ran down the mountains into the river beside them. If they had known this, they would have been more uneasy than they were. Now they were calmly told that the engineer had decided to wait out the storm.
Nine-year-old Mildred Ellis had at last dropped off to sleep with her head on her mother’s lap. She had so looked forward to this trip through the Rockies, hoping to see some deer, or perhaps even a bear, from the train window. Back in 1921 wildlife was plentiful and could often be seen running from the smoking “iron horse,” as these coal-powered engines were called. Weary of the rain, Mildred had fallen asleep. Mrs. Ellis was frightened.
She had felt the train lurch a few moments before. Suddenly there was a little shriek behind her. Someone had discovered the water! Yes, cold, muddy water was rising in the pullman car! Mrs. Ellis wakened Mildred, and they and others stood up on their seats. Steadily the water poured in until Mother hoisted her frightened Mildred to her shoulders. When the dark waters were swirling up to her chin, Mrs. Ellis almost gave up hope.
“Oh, Mother! What shall I do?” cried the little girl.
“Keep your chin up and pray,” was the calm answer.
It was then that Mildred began praying—not “Lord, save us!” No, “Jesus, I trust you!” she cried. Over and over again she said it—“Jesus, I trust you!”
Mildred and her mother were soon able to climb out of a broken window and were later rescued. Just as Mildred and her mother were saved from the flood, so the Lord Jesus Christ will save anyone who will trust in Him from the terrible danger of eternal death. On Calvary’s cross the Lord Jesus bore the storm of God’s anger and punishment for our sins. The 69th Psalm describes the feelings of our Lord on the cross, saying, "... the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire... the floods overflow Me.” 10:1,2. “All Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me.” Psa. 42:77Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. (Psalm 42:7). Our mighty Redeemer did not turn back from that cruel flood, but stood firm—victorious! Now He is risen and can take us out of death, too. But each one of us, like Mildred, must say, “Jesus, I trust you!”
ML-04/26/1981