My husband John grew up on a farm that was on a lake, but he never learned to swim. He stayed very close to the shore if he were anywhere near water. In time, our son Donald was born. We decided to give him swimming lessons when he was old enough.

One summer, our family went camping with the trailer in a recreational vehicle park a good distance from home. The men decided to go out in the boat while I got supper. John put on a life jacket, but Donald did not. I was oblivious to the dangers as they got out on the lake. John stood up (which one should never do) and tipped over the boat. They got the boat upright, but John could not swim.

Donald suggested that his dad get into the boat. The tie-up rope was still on the boat, so Donald tied it around his waist, and started to swim the boat to shore using the backstroke. There were no oars, so John could not help. They came into the trailer soaking wet. A change of clothes was done and John's wallet was emptied and put in the sun to dry. God was good to John and Donald, keeping them safe from drowning. We thanked God for the decision to teach Donald to swim.

It is interesting to read God's Word and take note of people's decisions. Young Joseph was sold by his brothers into Egypt as a slave. Instead of becoming bitter, he decided to honour God as a young man in this foreign country. In time, his brothers had to go to Egypt for food. When Joseph was talking to his brothers after his father died, he said:

Genesis 50:20 – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV)

Jesus Christ, God's Son, came to give His life as a ransom for our sin on Calvary. Jesus made the decision to bear the load of guilt for the sin of the world so that humankind could have a relationship with God the Father.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (NIV)

By faith, each one of us needs to make the decision to believe in the work of Jesus Christ on Calvary for forgiveness of sin. After that decision, believers need to live daily making decisions that honour God. God says:

1 Samuel 2:30b – Those who honor me I will honor. (NIV)

Prayer: Most gracious God and Father, help us to believe by faith in Your Son Jesus, Who gave His life for us on Calvary. Help us to make decisions that honour You. We desire to show Your love to family, friends, and neighbours. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada
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