Never trapped
When I heard about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, my heart immediately went out to those who were trapped. And I’ve been praying ever since. My life has shown me that despite grim human circumstances, God is on the job communicating to those who need help exactly what they need.
How can I be so sure? When I was trapped underwater, I remember that timeless feeling of calm and the clear guidance I felt that led me to do what I needed to do to get free.
Once I was kayaking down the Ocoee, a whitewater river in Tennessee, and my boat tipped over right before a major rapid. The rapid was actually named Double Suck because of its double hydraulic caused by several undercut rocks just below its surface. I’d lost control of my boat and the current took me right to the rapid, sucked me out of my boat and pinned me under a large undercut rock.
The friends I was kayaking with said that I was underwater for a long time. I don’t remember that. I do remember thinking that people have died in similar situations and that I had a choice: panic or pray. I prayed.
It was a quick turning to God with one word, “Father!” And I felt calm. For however long I was under water, I felt no panic or pain, no sense of time or struggle. I opened my eyes. I was calm and heard clear guidance that led me to do what I needed to do to get free.
The thought came to reach out toward the sunlight where I could see upstream of the rock. I stretched out my arm and this apparently was enough to catch the current that ran astride the rock. In a flash, I was out, much to the relief of concerned friends.
My experience gives me the conviction that no one can ever be beyond God’s omnipresent care. I felt God’s presence and power. This is only one moment in my life where I’ve felt God’s healing touch. There have been so many more. And I know His power is operating for everyone in Japan right now, just like it did for me.
And for those who don’t have the same conviction? I’m here to claim that freedom for them – the freedom that is God-given and God-assured. Will you do the same?
Topics: Safety, World Issues | Tags: protection, rescue, survivors
This is amazing. I know I had a similar experience of turning directly to God in a moment of serious distress on an airplane. We hit a severe storm last summer as I headed home to visit family in the midwest. The plane must have plummeted a few thousand feet in a matter of seconds causing overheads bins to burst open, lights to flash, people to cry out. I entertained the idea that we would crash for only a moment and then, SO STRONGLY, the subject of that week’s lesson, LIFE, came to me and I was immediately calm. Despite all of the commotion around me, I can honestly say, I found space to pray and not be pulled into fear. We were fine and after we landed I spent more time with my lesson that week, took another connection to get the rest of my way home to see my mother’s beautiful face at 3 in the morning to pick me from the airport.
I know our study of God helps us find this clarity. Even if we aren’t actively studying, her presence is there protecting.
Thanks for making this declaration of freedom Kim.
As I read your inspiring blog, I thought about the Chilean miners last fall — how they never gave up. They must have all felt God’s protecting power and presence. One even ran six miles a day! They emerged, one after another, with smiles on their faces and gratitude on their lips.
Thank you, Kim.
Thanks Veronia and Pam for your comments.
And Veronica – thanks for sharing your story. When we have experienced that “secret place of the most High” in our own lives, our prayer has that conviction that God’s comfort, tenderness and peace are right there in everyone’s lives, right now.
Thank you for these inspiring, very helpful testimonies and insights.
Most appreciated!