The Best Rescuer
by Anna Galeniece
The wind whipped fresh snow past the windows of the Haines’ house that bitterly cold December day, but the fire crackled merrily in the cozy living room. Warmed by its glow, Ellen and four other women sat around the table. They agonized over their burning question: Why hadn’t Jesus come on October 22? They had studied the Bible earnestly and believed in His promises with all their hearts! Why had God betrayed them? Had He forgotten them? Their hearts were crushed with discouragement. But they were determined not to give up their faith in God. The best they could do was encourage one another to pray, read the Bible, and wait for answers.
In addition to carrying the heavy burden of discouragement, Ellen had been sick for some time with an illness that had left her almost too weak to walk. Wanting to give her mother some rest from constantly caring for her, Ellen had agreed to stay with the Haines family near her home for a little while. She liked being there because she could read the Bible, pray, and talk with her friends about Jesus. She loved being with friends!
After studying the precious promises of the Bible, the friends knelt for their usual prayer time together. They poured out their burdens to God, begging Him for guidance. But when Ellen started to pray, something miraculous happened. Suddenly everything around her faded, and she was caught in a vision. Just as Daniel, Jeremiah, John, and other prophets in the Bible were given, she saw things that were not earthly. She was caught up in a glorious experience of God’s love and power.
That day God answered the prayers of Ellen and her friends! He showed her a vision of a path on which the Advent people traveled toward the heavenly city. They were safe as long as they looked toward Jesus, smiling at them at the end of the path. Then she saw Jesus’ second coming and the resurrection of believers. God showed her His throne, the Tree of Life, and other beautiful heavenly scenes. At the end of the vision she saw Jesus and the saved ones returning to the renewed earth. Everything was glorious and amazing!
After the vision dimmed, Ellen noticed she was back in the room with her praying friends. She was excited to tell them what she had just seen, but she couldn’t find words wonderful enough to express her experience! She did the best she could, and her friends were overwhelmed with joy. Their discouragement and fear vanished. The Lord had not forgotten them. He was still leading them! The biblical promises about His second coming and eternal life came alive in their hearts.
Jesus always keeps His promises! When we feel discouraged, betrayed, frustrated, or alone, He longs for us to pour out our hearts to Him in earnest prayer. Claim His promises. Just as Ellen and her friends discovered, you can also know that He is with you in your pain and confusion. Even more, He has a plan for you. He is the best rescuer!