HELD UP BY OUR FATHER

3-year old Tyler felt secure in his dad's arms as Dad stood in the middle of the pool. But Dad, for fun, began walking slowly toward the deeper end, gently chanting, "Deeper and deeper and deeper," as the water rose higher and higher on Tyler.

Tyler's face registered increasing degrees of panic, as he held all the more tightly to his dad, who, of course, easily touched the bottom. Had the little boy been able to analyze his situation, he'd have realized there was no reason for increased anxiety.

The water's depth in ANY part of the pool was over his head. Even in the shallowest part, had he not been held up, he'd have drowned. His safety anywhere in that pool depended on Dad.

As with little Tyler in the pool, the truth is we've never been in control over our eternal salvation. We've always been held up by the grace our heavenly Father.

Believe it; REST in it; get busy for God because of it.

(Charles Ryrie, So Great Salvation, Victor Books, 1989, p. 137ff.)