A FEW months since, three young girls were bathing in the open sea. In the full enjoyment of youthful strength, they swam out against the rolling, breaking waves, until they were wearied with the pleasant exercise. They then made for the beach, but, before landing, one of them said she would have another short swim.
The other two reached the shore safely; but when the third tried to return, she found her strength gone, and that it was impossible to swim against the strong, ebbing tide that was now setting out to sea.
As all effort on her part was useless, she was forced to the conclusion that she could not save herself. Another must save her; she could do nothing herself. Help must come to her, or she would be lost. Turning on her back, she floated on the water, and looking up to God, earnestly cried to Him for help.
Her friends were watching from the beach, and their shouts for aid reached a man who was working close at hand. He came running up, on the way casting off his coat and hat; and when he reached the little group at the water’s edge, he said, “I can’t swim much, but I will do my best,” and plunging into the water, he attempted to reach the drowning girl. But it was beyond his strength, and soon he was overpowered by the rushing, roaring waves, and sank before the eyes of the anxious watchers.
Heroic though his purpose was, his ability, was inadequate to its accomplishment. Unable to deliver himself from the awful power of death, which he had so nobly ventured to meet, it was impossible for him to rescue another.
But help was near. A life-buoy and line were found, and a strong swimmer went out with them, and soon both he and young girl were drawn safely to shore, —she saved by another, and at the cost of a precious life.
And now, dear reader, has the record any voice for you? Are you battling in life’s stream? and have you found that all your efforts to save yourself from the awful waters of judgment that are rising round you are useless? Have you found that all your desires to be better, your seekings “to turn over a fresh leaf” are fruitless, and that you are without strength? (Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6).)
Then cease your own efforts, and yield yourself up to Jesus, who came to seek and to save the lost. Trust in Him and He will save you.
ML 08/19/1906