WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
While on a hunt in New Zealand, I just about lost my life. I’ll never forget the helicopter’s transponder sound, alerting the world that we were in a desperate situation. The pilot set the helicopter down on top of a mountain to adjust some equipment, and in the process, my rifle barrel struck and bent the rotor blade. There at the top of a remote alpine mountain, the helicopter was grounded.
My guide decided we needed to get off the mountain quickly to avoid the freezing nighttime temperatures. Descending 4,000 feet to the valley floor and traversing steep-sided banks well into a moonless night was a daunting idea. Still, he felt quite confident that once down, we would find an abandoned hunter’s hut a few miles north. We weren’t dressed for nor prepared for such an expedition, but we had two penlights from my utility belt. After praying for God’s guidance and protection, we descended the face of the mountain, endured thick brush, and pushed through the darkness, cold, and exhaustion – for six and a half hours.
Three times I sat down, unsure whether I could go on, but my strong faith in Jesus and the empowerment of His Spirit, my desire to be united with family, and the wisdom, encouragement, trust, and support of my guide and pilot drove me ahead. Near 11 PM, the temperature fell below freezing. Extremely cold and frightened, we finally reached the hut. We started a fire, dried out, and rested our weary bodies. Around 1:30 AM, we suddenly heard the glorious sound of a helicopter. Since our initial transponder sound, through darkness and jagged passes, the rescue crew had been searching for us with a spotlight. Miraculously, we were found and rescued without serious injury.
My ordeal is a metaphor for the challenges, pitfalls, and unknown territory life presents. Jesus Christ is our personal guide.
“He will teach you all things and will remind you of everything [Jesus has] said to you” (John 14:26).
He lives within us by His Spirit, the Spirit of truth, sent to guide us into all truth and the things to come (John 16:13). We walk by, keep in step with, and live by the Spirit, starting with pursuing Jesus and maintaining a perpetual consciousness of His presence with us (Galatians 5:25). Then we listen to, learn from, and follow Him in all areas of life.
Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12).
To follow the light that leads to life, we read God’s Word, spend time with Him in prayer, and listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. We aren’t meant to navigate this life alone.
Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:20
Personal Application: When has God clearly rescued you from a desperate situation? What do you need His direction with right now? Practice this consciousness of Christ’s presence throughout the week and seek His guidance. He’s ready to lead you today.
- Taken in part from Getting in the Game: Joining Jesus on Mission by Dr. Jim Grassi, Rev. Wendell Morton, with Pastor Rob Fischer
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5