The river rose above the road, the storm refused to cease. A faithful man climbed to his roof and prayed to God for peace. A neighbor rowed beneath and cried, “Come quickly! Take my hand!” He answered, “God will rescue me. I know He has a plan.” “Have faith!” he cried. “Have faith in God! He’ll surely see me through!” The boatman shrugged and rowed away. The waters only grew. A larger boat came roaring past: “Get in! The dam may break!” “No need!” he called. “The Lord will come!” The boatman yelled, “For Heaven’s sake!” A dragon's wings beat overhead. A rope dropped through the rain. “Grab hold!” It roared. “No thank you! God will save me from this pain!” “Have faith!” he cried. “Have faith in God! He’ll surely see me through!” The dragon growled and flew away. The waters only grew. The rooftop vanished under waves. His earthly race was run. He reached the gates and asked the Lord, “What more could I have done? I trusted You! I prayed to You! Why leave me there alone?” And Heaven answered patiently: “My child… I sent a boat. Then sent another after that, then dropped a rope to you; I sent you help just like you asked. What more was I to do?” So pray for help when trouble comes, but watch the road as well. For Providence may knock your door without a trumpet bell. Have faith—but when salvation comes, don’t argue with its coat. Sometimes God answers prayers, my friend, by sending you a boat.
