If God offers to rescue you, be where the rescue is to take place!

Being rescued can be a tricky thing. As we have watched the drama  unfold recently in Texas, we got a front row seat for some dramatic and timely rescues.

I say it’s tricky because there are several elements going on simultaneously: you are in trouble and need help – someone must be looking for you – the two of you must be at the same place at the same time.

If you find yourself on the second floor with water rising quickly but are in the rear of the house looking through your  closet while the first responders are out front hollering to see if anyone needs help … well, you have only two of the necessary ingredients for a rescue. You’re not both at the same place at the same time.

And the boat moves down the street.

Old Testament prophet Elijah wasn’t facing a Category 4 hurricane and flood, but a multi-year drought throughout the land. God’s instructions for him were very specific: “Leave this place. Go east and hide in the Kerith Valley. It is east of the Jordan River. You will drink water from the brook. I have directed some ravens to supply you with food there.” I Kings 17:2-4 NIV

But what if Elijah hadn’t gone there? What if the ravens couldn’t find him?

If God was going to supply water and food there, then being anywhere else but there would be foolhardy.

In Scripture God often gave specific directions. In the birth of Christ, wise men were told by God to take a safe route home. Joseph was advised by God how to get Mary and Jesus to a place of safety.

But does this kind of thing still happen, in the absence of ravens, National Guardsmen and boats? Absolutely … all the time. More often than not, God rescues us through his written Word.

We need specific direction, and it’s in the Word. We are desperate for assurance, and it’s in the Word. We long for peace, and it’s available through the Word. What we need is there … right at our fingertips. But if we fail to connect with the Word, the rescue will not take place.

What if the ravens can’t find us?

“He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity,but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me,because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-19 ESV