Christian Living

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Got A Relationship With God?
© 2006

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Michael Deutsch, a 6’ 5”, 182 pound, 17 year old, basketball player, from Tulsa, Oklahoma went ice fishing with his grandfather to the back wood area of Minnesota. A risk taking, often self-assured person, Michael, against the advice of his elders often did acts that could endanger his life. He did much the same while in Minnesota. He was confident he knew enough survival skills such that he felt he could take care of himself should an emergency arise. So without his grandfather’s knowledge, he got up early to ice fish alone. He felt that he there would be little risk because he was only four blocks away from the cabin, he had a cell phone, a map and had checked the weather reports that indicated cold but calm weather the entire day.

Arriving at what he determined to be a suitable location; Michael tested the lake ice sheet as he had been taught to do to find it a perfect location to begin fishing. With his case of CDs, CD player and a great deal of time, Michael settled down to imagine catching the largest reported fish in the lake. Stories in this area abounded that this lake possessed a huge nearly 60 pound fish. He, Michael Deutsch, was going to catch that fish! Dreams of that fish played itself again and again in the teen’s mind as he sat and occasionally slept.

Finally, after hours of waiting, a bite! It was at this time Michael lost his balance and tumbled into the icy water. Struggling with every ounce of strength he had, he somehow managed to drag himself to safety after about 30 minutes of effort. When he did make it ashore, he found himself in agonizing pain. He had broken and arm and dislocated a leg. When he searched his pockets for his cell phone, it was gone as was his CDs and CD player. Unable to walk or call for help, Michael propped himself up on a nearby tree, then prayed and cried. Following roughly fifteen minutes of self criticism, Michael reconciled himself to dying. As he drifted into unconsciousness, his short life flashed before and figure of Jesus Christ was presented to Michael with the question—“Do you know Me Michael?” He responded, “No.”

Late that afternoon an electric company crew found him as they searched the area for downed electrical lines in the nearby tree stands. Michael was elated. “Whatever made you fellows come to look for me?” he asked. The men told him that they had remembered his friendly, youngful wave and smile as he passed them on his way to the lake. They also wondered why he was going to the lake alone. Then, they explained, they became concerned when he never came out of the wooded area as the sun began to set. As Michael looked into the face of one of his rescuers, his appearance looked strangely like that of Jesus’ whom he had seen during his unconscientious state.

In the view of many, Michael made a serious mistake trying to go it alone in an unfamiliar area without a companion. Likewise, many in this age try to go it alone without the guidance and commands of God in their lives. They believe THEY possess the knowledge, skills and material means to lead a joyous and fulfilling life with a relationship with God. Only when severe, often life-threatening challenges occur do we invoke God and His existence and presence. Michael was very fortunate. He was given a second chance. He nor should we believe we will be given a second chance to reconcile our lives with God. It does not always occur.

Opening ourselves up to God and following through with the Christian life is not burdensome but it is challenging as is life in general. No one escape life’s challenges, tragedies, pains, rejections and sufferings. Some choose to have help with God as their guide when they stray. Others try drugs, alcohol, sex, fruitless psychological explanation, risky life styles, even suicidal death to deal with life challenges and issues with no resolutions, purpose or meaning to their lives.

When we have a relationship with God, we are never, ever alone. God WILL come looking for us. We may lose our earthly life but never our eternal one. However, those who reject God’s call and commands are the “walking dead” who will eventually lose both their earthly life and their eternal life—forever whether they believe this or not.

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