
During the winter months when the ice was frozen solid, friends and community members regularly gathered at the lake to enjoy skimming across the glassy surface and spending quality time together. As he continued his preparations, his mind occupied with the day’s plans, he heard a foreboding sound – a crack like the sound of a gun shot split the air. He raised his head to glance across the ice and saw a gut-wrenching scene. A lone skater had passed the marked point of safety, broken through the ice, and was desperately clinging to the edge, struggling against the strong current.
Without a thought for his own safety, he flattened his long body on the frigid ice and inched his way forward, speaking softly to calm the frightened girl. Inching closer, he extended his hand, instructing her to grab hold and to kick her feet with all the energy she had left. Slowly and painfully he dug his skate tips into the solid ice behind him and inched backwards, praying all the while that the ice would hold. While the crowd who had now gathered held their breath, the pair steadily made progress until Vera was out of the dangerous water and back on solid ice. With shaking legs Johnny skated her to the edge and neighbors jumped in, taking her home to warm her and get her needed medical attention.

Who can rescue mankind from this sure and certain death? Thanks be to God! In His mercy He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to extend His hands out on the Cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for our sins. His death and resurrection have made it possible for our rescue. If we reach out and grasp His hand, He will pull us from the domain of darkness and transfer us into His Kingdom. By God’s grace we will gain solid footing in our relationship with God that can never be taken away.