God and Others

I am reminded of a story that I have heard in multiple sacrament meeting talks.

There was a farmer stuck on the roof of his home, due to a great flood in his town.

He prayed,"God, please help me out of this disaster."

God replied, "I will."

Shortly thereafter, a man in a boat came by. The man urged the farmer to get in his boat so that he could take him to dry ground.

The farmer replied, " No thank you. God said he will help me."

So the man rowed away.

A few days later a rescue crew in a helicopter flew by, and spotting the farmer, come low, hovered overhead, and threw down a lifeline.

"Grab the line and we will haul you up," they called through the loudspeaker.

The farmer again refused. "God said he will take care of me."

After several attempts to urge the farmer up, the crew gave up.

A few days later the farmer passed away.

When he got to the gates of heaven, he asked God, "Where where you? You promised to help me."

God gently replied, "My son, I tried. I sent the man in the boat and the rescue crew with the helicopter, but you refused their offers. You see, I often send help through others."

I can't express enough, the saving help from so many. Your love, prayers, time, even money is so much appreciated. Your cards, letters, phone calls, text messages have all helped us carry this burden. Thanks to so many who have offered help that we have not been able to accept. Everything has been taken care of. Thanks to our employers who gave us time off, even when there were deadlines to meet.

Keep praying for Melissa and Lawrence. I know they are feeling that strength. So are we.

Scott