Reach Out Your Hand
I was clinging to the outside of an upside-down raft in Class V whitewater and the freezing cold water was sapping my strength. In fact, I didn't have the strength to drag myself out of the water to get on top of the raft. I needed a rescue. In my generation, American men were taught to be proud of being independent- to do things on our own- to not need help from anyone. The problem is that there are times in life when we all DO need help- we all DO need a rescue. But some people need to be convinced, don't they? They refuse to believe that they even NEED to be rescued.
Pride. Pride. Pride. I got my rescue. All I needed to do is reach out my hand. This is the spiritual story of all of humanity. Jesus said that he "came to seek and to save the lost." He also said, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. The world stands condemned already..." It is not God who condemns us, we condemn ourselves. We are ALL guilty. We NEED a rescue.
Good news! God tells us in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." You are much loved. Be humble. Admit when you need help and reach out your hand. Live this way, and you will be blessed! Pastor Brad
Written on July 10, 2026
Posted in Daily Devotions