Tooma, the Indian, had a dream. Born in the woods, raised in a wigwam, he became an expert hunter and fisherman. He never learned to read, but he often heard the Bible read. There were those who tried hard to keep him from receiving the simple truth of the gospel. But the Lord is above all the power of men and of Satan, and He can “take the prey from the mighty and deliver the lawful captive.”
The truth of the gospel found its way into the heart of Tooma, and he was deeply convinced of sin. For many months he was troubled night and day with the great question, “What must I do to be saved?”
He was told to shake off this gloom and folly, and go to places of amusement. He had lost his appetite and strength, and fearing that he would die, he did go in for many kinds of pleasure, and for a time he succeeded in shaking off his convictions. But God had not given him up, and Tooma’s convictions returned. Slowly and steadily, he began to make progress into the light.
It was at this time Tooma dreamed a dream. He dreamed that he had been out hunting and was returning with a heavy load on his back. He had come to a wide river frozen over with ice, but he was afraid that the ice was not thick enough to bear his weight. When only half way over, sure enough the ice gave way and he went down to the armpits in the water and mud. Looking up, he saw the hole through which he had fallen far above his head. He began to work strenuously to free himself. He first thought to remove the heavy load from his shoulders, but to no avail. Forcing his way along underneath the ice toward the shore, he found the ice was so thick and heavy that he could not break it. The only place of escape seemed to be the hole through which he had fallen and which was far up out of his reach.
As he struggled he sank deeper into the mud and his situation became worse. He called for help but none came. There was no one near to help him.
At last, in utter despair, he cried unto the Lord for help. Instantly, he knew not how, he was saved and standing on solid ground. It was only a dream but through it Tooma learned that he could not save himself, that “Salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah 2:9. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9.
Have you reached this point in your life, dear young reader? Have you realized that you are a sinner, sinking down to judgment, and that you cannot save yourself, nor can anything or anyone under heaven save you? “Christ alone can save!”
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”— Acts 4:12.
Do you realize your desperate need as a sinner? Then, cry to God, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.
“He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God.” Psalms 40:2,3.
ML 09/15/1968