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Topic: River (08/31/06)
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TITLE: Saved | Previous Challenge Entry
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09/06/06 -
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A tear escaped and she felt Jason’s gentle squeeze as they looked out over the river bordering Momma’s property. It was her favorite place. Many an hour had been spent here, fishing with her brothers, keeping her sisters occupied while Momma rested. Many an hour alone, writing in her diary or just daydreaming.
“Have I ever told you about the day I almost drowned?”
“Huh-uh, how’d that happen?”
“I was twelve that year…”
And summer school was over. She raced down to the river, hoping to catch her brothers before they went fishing. Disappointed to find them already gone, she sat under the huge willow that overhung the river.
It was hot, and she considered going inside, sure there would be some cold lemonade. But she dismissed the idea as quickly as it came. Momma would want her to study her Sunday school lesson.
Ever since Momma had gone to the big tent revival at church she’d been singing and praying, talkin’ some nonsense about being saved. She even made them all start going to Sunday services. It wasn’t like she didn’t believe in Jesus, but really; didn’t she have plenty of time before she had to worry about gettin’ religion? After all she was just a kid; she wasn’t going to die anytime soon.
Feeling a bit irritable Amanda stepped onto the giant root that stuck out of the ground above the water before disappearing under the surface, inching down until her feet were submerged. Giggling as a school of tiny fish swirled around her toes, she bent to catch one and lost her balance.
Before she knew it Amanda was neck deep in the river. She tried to grasp the root but the current was strong and already carrying her away. Amanda looked up and realized that she was almost past her house. Watery fingers pulled at her bare legs as she tried to swim to the bank. Every move seemed to push her further down the river while waves broke over her head. She was headed for the rapids.
I’m going to die. “Momma!” Amanda screamed at the top of her lungs. I don’t want to die. I’m only twelve. I’m just a little girl.
A thought filtered its way through her panic. Amanda. Or was it a voice? Come to me, Amanda. I won’t let you die.
She remembered Momma telling her how Jesus had died for her on the cross, how He loved her and gave Himself for her. Was that Him calling her?
“Jesus, please save me,” Amanda called out, choking as water splashed into her face. She went under again and struggled once more to the surface, just in time to see a hand.
“Its okay, child, I’ve got you.”
He pulled her to him, hooking his arm around her carrying her like a football over to the bank.
Looking up she saw Momma crying as Uncle Mason pulled her up onto land. She collapsed at their feet, coughing and sobbing.
“How in the world did you make it over to the bank, honey?” Uncle Mason asked. “I thought for sure you were a goner then all of a sudden there you were, right at my feet.”
“The man in the river helped me.” Amanda looked around, seeing no one but Momma and Uncle Mason.
“What man, honey?” Momma asked.
“Didn’t you see him?” Where did he go?
Then she remembered the voice in her head and she realized it hadn’t been anyone here that could have helped her. It could only have been the One who’d already given up so much to save her. In her hour of need, He’d saved her again. Right there in front of Momma and Uncle Mason, Amanda went down on her knees and gave herself to Jesus.
Amanda came back from her reverie and looked into her husbands eyes. “That river almost took my life, but Jesus gave it back to me.”
Jason smiled and pulled her closer. “I’m glad He did.”
“Me too.”
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“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Psalm 50:15 (KJV)
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“Jesus, please save me,” Amanda called out, choking as water splashed into her face. She went under again and struggled once more to the surface, just in time to see a hand.
It's a good reminder that Jesus is always there, just waiting for us to call on him.
Loved it!