In 1989 a terrible earthquake struck the country of Armenia (near Russia), killing over 30,000 people in less then four minutes. After the quake, a father frantically rushed through the ruins of a little village to the school that his 8-year-old boy attended. When he got there, he was horrified to see that all that was left of the school building was a huge pile of rubble! Though he knew there was little hope of finding any children still alive, the father’s love for his little boy would not allow him to leave.
Beginning in the very place where he knew his son’s classroom had been, the father began furiously digging through the rubble. For 37 weary hours he toiled without rest at the seemingly hopeless task. Many of his neighbors came to watch some even trying to get him to stop wasting his time. But to each the father simply replied by asking the same question, “Are you going to help me?” Sad to say, no one offered to assist him!
Then, in the afternoon of the second day, as he dug, repeatedly calling his son’s name, he was overjoyed to hear a voice shout back, “I’m here! It’s me, Father!” With a fresh burst of energy, the father quickly cleared the last remaining obstacles of rubble from the area. Then fourteen scared, hungry, thirsty and very happy children emerged from their dark prison into the light, freedom and fresh air!
Living for the Lord Jesus today is difficult. Perhaps some who know us don’t offer any help to us in trying to be faithful to the Lord. But Jesus is always with us, (“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”) even when others give up. He appreciates everything that is done to please Him. In Revelation 23 He says seven times, “I know thy works.” Don’t stop living to please your Saviour or telling others how to be saved or praying for others. And never quit reading God’s precious Word and obeying it!
Ed.