In northern Michigan, on New Year’s Eve 2016, Bob was relaxing at home, watching football and waiting for midnight to celebrate the New Year. During a commercial, he ran outside to grab some firewood for his fireplace. It should have taken just a few moments since the wood pile was only 15 feet away. He had no idea of the 20-hour ordeal ahead of him.
Dressed in only a shirt, long johns and slippers, he suddenly slipped in the snow and fell, breaking his neck. Paralyzed in his hands and feet, he could only cry out for help. However, the nearest neighbor was a quarter of a mile away, and it was 10:30 p.m. As he yelled for help, there was a “best friend” that did hear his cries—his faithful dog Kelsey, a Golden Retriever. Knowing that her master was in trouble, she laid down beside him to keep him warm. She also licked his hands and face to keep him awake. But Kelsey did more than keep her master and best friend warm—she barked for help! And she continued to bark for the next 20 hours, until help finally came.
During the night, the temperature had dropped below freezing to 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and Bob struggled to stay awake. He finally gave in to unconsciousness. Kelsey even laid on top of him to keep him warm, and in spite of the cold night, Bob did not get frost bite. Finally, at 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, a neighbor heard Kelsey’s barking and came to investigate. Help was finally on the way!
The Bible tells us, “There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:2424A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)). Do you know who this Person is? It is the Lord Jesus. When we realize our need of a Savior because of our sins, we can cry out to Him for forgiveness and trust Him for our salvation. “Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee” (Psalm 86:55For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5)). Do you know Him as your Savior? If you do, you have His wonderful promise, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)).
When Bob was taken to the hospital, he was nearly frozen to death, in spite of Kelsey’s lying on top of him to keep him warm. He also had an irregular heartbeat and a severe lower neck injury.
Bob had immediate surgery for his neck injury, which was successful. That let him regain more movement in his hands and feet. Even though he will need intense physical therapy, he should make a full recovery.
Bob gives credit to both Kelsey and the doctor. “Kelsey kept me warm and never stopped barking for help. Dr. Colen saved my life and ability to move. They both are truly my heroes, and I will be eternally grateful.”
Bob and Kelsey were wise enough to realize they needed help. Because of Kelsey’s barking, help finally did come even though it took 20 hours. But you will not have to wait that long if you cry to the Lord Jesus to have your sins forgiven. Jeremiah 31:3434And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. (Jeremiah 31:34) gives you His promise: “I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.” Why not get that matter settled right now!
ML-06/18/2017