Encouragement

---

Finding Eternity
(c) 2006

by

Stephen A. Peterson


On a cloudy September afternoon, Gwen Henry, an 18 year old, left the New Lima Senior High School building to get into her car to drive home to nearby Sasakwa. Gwen was an outstanding student and a tremendous basketball player whose skills, perhaps, led her to believe that she needed no higher power or guide in her life.

As a student, Gwen carried a straight "A" in mainly mathematics and sciences courses. Gwen's athleticism was so outstanding that she received national attention as one of the best women athletes ever. Additionally, she carried the New Lima women's basketball team to the Oklahoma State High School basketball for the previous three years. Sports experts in Oklahoma felt that Gwen's senior year would be no different another state basketball championship.

Before Gwen arrived home, the once cloudy day suddenly gave way to a violent rain storm resulting in quick falling rain, flash flooding and the washing away of several bridges in the area. One of these bridges led into Sasakwa. Gwen knew not to cross the rapidly moving water. She knew the water would sweep the car and her away possibly to her death. To reach home, she had to drive 10 miles out of the way. As she backed up to turn around, she heard a child-like voice call for help.

"No," she thought to herself. "How could a child be out in this messy weather?"

"Help me, please!" the voice shouted even louder than before.

Just barely two feet from her car door stood what appeared to be a four or five year old boy. "Help me!" he said louder still. At that moment, the gravel road gave way to the weight of the down pour and he fell toward the rush of water on the side of the road.

Without regard for her personal safety, Gwen left the safety of her vehicle to try to save the boy's life. As she bent down she could see the only way to save the boy would be to lower herself down in the muddy side road to pull the boy up from the onrushing water in the gully.

"Give me your hands little boy!"

"Okay. Are you sure you can bear my weight?"
Gwen laughed. "You bet! You're just a little guy. I'm a basketball player. I work on a farm that requires me to move heavy bails of hay; big sacks of potatoes and even heavier engines and engine parts. You, little guy, will be as light as a feather. Now quit talking and grab my hand unless you want to be washed away!"

"Alright," said the boy. But I have to warn you, I'm heavier than I look, Gwen."

With a grin on her rain soaked face, Gwen grabbed hold of the little boy's hands to pull him up to safely from a now rapidly moving and increasingly rising water level. As she pulled the hands of the boy, she found it very difficult to get him up.

"My gosh, you are so heavy! Wait don't move a muscle. Let me go back to my car and get a rope."

Rushing back to her car, Gwen pulled out a rope. "Here put this rope around your waist." Now a muddy mess, Gwen looped the rope around a nearby tree to help her pull the boy up from danger and possible death. Gathering all of the strength she could muster, she pulled without much success. "My goodness! God, don't let me lose this child! Help me, please! He's so small but so heavy! Gosh! This kid is like concrete! Finally, after nearly twenty minutes of stress and strain, Gwen was able to pull the boy up to the damaged road to safety.

"How can you be so heavy? You're just a little boy!" said a very exhausted and perplexed woman. "Who are you? And how did you get here? Who are your parents? Where do you live?"

"I am Jesus of Nazareth?" replied the little boy. And I have the burdens of the world on my person and shoulders. Let me carry what burdens you have Gwen Henry. You have rejected me and you do not believe "I am". Remember this day!"

With the conclusion of His statement, the storm ceased, the sun appeared brightly and the dirty, filthy, wet clothing Gwen wore became clean and dry as though nothing had ever occurred. The boy Jesus disappeared before the eyes of a stunned and overwhelmed young woman. At that very moment, Gwen was changed forever after coming face to face with the Lord of Life and Savior of the world.

Gwen's coming face to face with Almighty God should remind everyone that no one need struggle across each day's difficulties and issues on their own. There is One stronger, willing and able to accept any burden and hurt he or she has. He is the Great Burden-Bearer. He carried the burdens of Gwen on his shoulders and there is always room for your name as well_________ ( Your Name)_________________.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE