Some time ago, I had a dream. It was during a storm at sea that I found myself in the water battling huge waves trying desperately to keep my head above water. The skies were only lit by occasional lightning flashes, and then the sound of thunder drowned my frantic screams for help. The terrifying thought of dying was all that kept me afloat.
Suddenly, a strong hand took hold of my arm; and I became aware that I was being lifted onto the deck of a boat. Catching my breath, I rubbed the salt from my burning eyes. My first impression was one of safety, although the storm was still raging around the boat. I found my feet – I stood up holding on to the railing on deck.
A voice called out my name – and I recognized Jesus. My first reaction was to display my gratitude, but my words and gestures seemed inadequate to give full meaning to the act that saved my life; and the presence of Jesus being so real. Not knowing what to do next, I looked for a safe place to sit and wait until the storm was over.
In the distance, I could hear other voices crying out for help. I shuddered to think that I was so close to death; and realized how fortunate I was to have been saved, and to be in the presence of Jesus himself.
Then in a loud voice, Jesus called out to me,
“get up and pull those who are still in the water on board!”
A cold chill gripped my heart, and in a cowardly voice, I tried to explain my weakness,
“but Lord, I cannot do it – I’m scared I’ll fall back into the water!”
“I’ll hold onto your one arm while you lean over the side, and pull those in the water onto the deck,” Jesus assured me.
And sure enough, one but one I pulled all those whose cries I heard out of the stormy water to safety.
Until today, I almost forgot about this dream, which filled me with such enthusiasm at the time. I wanted to volunteer my “vision” in our local church, but it never seemed to be the right moment.
For many years, I wrestled with the question,
“once you are saved – what then?”
And specifically, me – but it was a mind thing. Logically, once you get the message, you must do something with it.
Two thoughts I want to leave with you: First, until you have had the experience of being lost, and facing a deathlike situation, it is very hard to understand the experience of being saved by Jesus; and to experience His presence. And second, when you finally get the message – the Gospel – and it is heartfelt, then there is no excuse for not helping others that are in need of a helping hand.
By Anton Rautenbach
Are you sure of your salvation? If you would like to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you can say this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make the kind of person You want me to be.
It can start today if you prayed this prayer.
Anton Rautenbach lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a specialist in commitment / contract management and has been working mainly in the petro-chemical and aviation industries during the last 20 years. He is aiming to become an entrepreneur and management consultant. His passion is helping the disabled to overcome their disadvantages.
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