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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Lifeguard (11/09/06)
"HELP ME. I CAN'T SWIM. HELP! HELP!" Came the blood-curdling, panic-stricken scream. The cry for help reverberated off the metal walls that surrounded the indoor swimming pool.

Before the last 'help' could be uttered, the lifeguard had flung the strap attached to his buoy over his shoulder and dived into the pool. He had been on alert, watching the child as she ventured farther and father away from the shallow end while she played. Several warnings had been sent her way, but they all went unheeded. Within seconds, he had wrapped his thick, muscular arm around the child. He then positioned the child's face so no water would fill the nose or mouth and lugged her to the edge of the pool, where she was pulled out of the threatening water by worried friends and concerned bystanders.

The same scene seems to be played out often in my Christian walk. Either through unintentional carelessness or outright defiance, I find myself drowning in everyday life. Overwhelming waves of defeat, stress and depression wash across my face; all I can do is stretch my arms upward into the air and cry for help. That's when my Savior dives into the murky deep and pulls me up above the oppressing weight of the waters. As I gasp for air and force the choking water from my lungs, I feel the hands of friends and family lifting me up and back on this side of the living. My Savior stands guard as these prayer warriors and loved ones help me nourish my soul and restore my broken relationship with Christ.

Before long, I'm again able to venture back out into the water of life. At first, I am cautious, constantly checking for reassurance that my Savior is standing guard. Soon, my confidence is bolstered and I realize that my Savior is always ready to rescue me from myself, my own arrogance, and my life in general.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
lynn rodgers
11/16/06
good. id like to hear more about the drowning and i was confused by the POV change
Esther Phillips
11/19/06
Great first line. It almost took my breath away. I found this to be interesting and I know many people who can relate to it. Keep up the good work.
Phyllis Inniss 
11/20/06
So many of us find ourselves in the situation you describe. We have to be constantly reminded of our Saviour's love and protection so that we don't drown ourselves in despair.
Jan Ackerson
11/21/06
Very nice--this reminds me of the type of devotional you'd read in "The Daily Bread." Short, sweet, and very, very apt.
Donna Haug
11/21/06
I liked the feeling of confidence as the lifeguard rescued the child. A more captivating title will draw more attention to your writing. Nice short devotional.
Joanne Sher 
11/21/06
Great imagery that leads itself so well to your point. I enjoyed this - and needed it this morning!!
Allison Egley 
11/21/06
As others have said, this is a great reminder about how our Savior can even save us from ourselves -- Something I need to remember at this stage in my life.
Jen Davis
11/22/06
Good job on this devotional. The example of the child ignoring warnings and getting in over her head works very well with your message.
dub W
11/22/06
Tight devotional, will work well with a young church group. Thanks for sharing.