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Topics: Angels, Protection, Salvation
Last October our garage was destroyed completely (along with
its entire contents) by fire. But we were not harmed (burned). Every
morning I get up at 6 am, get my husband, John, his coffee and breakfast,
make his lunch, wake him up and then I go out on my bike. I ride a little
over 2 miles along the canal path behind my house in Titusville. After
about a mile, it is a deserted path - no houses or people. This particular
day, I had ridden about 2.4 miles and turned around to head home.
I had not gone very far when my bike swerved, and I thought to myself,
"I hope I don't fall into the canal." You see, I do not know how to swim.
The next thing I know I am coming up from under water. Needless to say
I screamed at the top of my lungs - but I knew in my heart I was going
to die here, because I never see anyone else when I ride my bike here
in the morning. I went under again and again. I couldn't touch bottom
in the canal. Every time I came up screaming.
The canal current was pulling my downstream away from my bike, so I thought even if someone saw my bike half in the water, they still might not find me. I wondered if John would just go on to work, thinking I was taking a longer ride than usual. I wondered how long it would be before someone would realize I was dead.
Yet, God was so good. As many times as I went under water, I never took any water in. It must have been a supernatural reaction to shut my mouth as I went under. I just kept screaming.
Then God sent a man (an angel?) To save me. He was riding his bike -
he must have been a distance behind me. He saw me swerve and then
didn't see me any more, so he rode as quickly as he could to get to me.
It seemed forever to me, but was probably just a few minutes. He
dived into the canal, swam over to me and took me over to the bank.
I was so upset, I couldn't even stand up at first. Then he went and
took my bike out of the water. Finally he dragged me up off the bank.
Except for minor cuts, scratches, scrapes and being totally soaked,
I was fine. I thanked God and him.
His name was John and he lives in Yardley and that's all I know about him. After that traumatic ordeal, I had to ride my bike all the way home (2 miles) next to the canal. It was all I could do to hold myself together enough
to get home.
Needless to say, I was thankful in so many ways to get home, that I totally fell apart. My cuts and bruises are healing. I am thankful that I could feel
each pain. As a result, God gave me the enclosed poem. I read it
every day and rejoice in His goodness and His grace.
May all of this truly encourage you that God keeps His promises.
He is faithful and true. I am thankful to be alive and see and live
the great plans He has for my life.
"THE GIFT"
Today I've Been Given a Gift
Today I've been given a gift
Like none I've received before
When I expected to find death
God sent His angel to shore.
From the depth He heard my cry
He reached down His loving hand
The devil wanted me to die
But God gave the saving command.
Today I've been given a gift
Each day of my life is now new
So precious is every breath
My heart is so thankful and true.
May each day find me grateful
For blessings and trials alike
May my life be a testimony
Of what the Father is like.
Today I've been given a gift
My heart's full of thanks and praise
To my wonderful loving Father
Who, me, from the depths He did raise.
My emotions are overflowing
With love and gratitude
No words can ever fully express
My humble, thankful attitude.
Today I've been given a gift
That can never be denied
He counted my life worth saving again
First time on the cross He died.
How can I ever be thankful enough?
How can I show Him praise?
My heart is spilling over
My voice in love I raise.
Today I've been given a gift
A precious, precious gift
From God, my Father who loves me
Today I've been given a gift.
Ruth Sullivan
(Inspirational submitted by: Ruth Sullivan)