Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Filed under: Inspirational Stories
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This is one of those stories that has done the rounds over the years. I’ve heard it, or a variation of it, used as an illustration in many a sermon, though not by myself, yet. I have, however, used it in casual conversation, when talking about prayer.
The Mississippi River was flooding its banks and the waters were rising around Clem’s house. The waters had risen to the level of the front porch where Clem was standing. A man in a row-boat came by and called to Clem, “Hop in and I’ll take you to high ground.”
Clem replied, “No thanks, my God will save me!”
The river continued to rise to the second story windows and Clem, looking out, saw a powerboat come up. The man in the powerboat called to Clem, “Hop in and I’ll take you to high ground.”
Clem replied, “No thanks, my God will save me!”
The river had now risen to the roof of the house. Clem was sitting on the ridge at the top of the house, with the waters swirling around his feet. He saw a helicopter fly over and the people inside yelled over a bull horn, “Grab the rope and climb in and we’ll take you to high ground.”
Clem replied, “No thanks, my God will save me!”
The river continued to rise and finally it engulfed the house and Clem was drowned. The next thing he knew, Clem was standing before his God. In anger, he asked God, “I put my trust in you. Why have you forsaken me?”
And God replied, “What do you want from me? I sent you a row-boat, a powerboat, and a helicopter!”
We sometimes forget that God can and does work through the ordinary everyday events in our lives as well as the spectacular. I think that’s especially true when it comes to answers to our prayers.
