Bible Reading: John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; 10:13

Nelson and his parents were spending a few days at the beach, and Nelson loved playing in the water. Today he was having a great time letting the waves carry him up and down as he swam.

But then the waves became bigger, and Nelson realized he was too far out and couldn't touch the bottom. "Help!" he cried out to his dad.

Dad quickly swam over to Nelson and helped him back to shore.

"Thanks, Dad," Nelson said, trying to catch his breath.

"Sometimes those waves can really pull you under," Dad replied.

Nelson coughed and nodded. "I sure am glad you were there to save me!"

"How was the water this afternoon?" Mom asked when Nelson and his dad returned from the beach.

Nelson smiled. "A little rough," he answered.

Dad explained what happened while Nelson ran to get changed. He put on his pajamas, looking forward to just having dinner and relaxing for the rest of the evening,

"Well, don't you look comfy," Mom said when Nelson walked into the kitchen. She handed him plates of fresh fruit and cold cut sandwiches to put on the table. Dad patted him on the shoulder, and they all sat down to eat.

After dinner, Nelson helped his parents clean up, and then they all went into the living room for family devotions.

"I've got a special verse for tonight. It goes right along with our beach incident this afternoon," Dad said.

Nelson listened as Dad read Romans 10:13. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." He looked at Nelson. "I saved you from the waves today, but Jesus gave His life to save us from death itself. The Bible says our sin--the wrong things we do--leads to death and eternal separation from God. But if we trust Jesus as our Savior, He will save us from sin and give us eternal life!"

Nelson had heard about Jesus dying to save him many times at church, but he had never really understood it until today. After being saved from the waves that afternoon, Nelson had a clearer understanding of what Jesus had done for him.

"I think I'm ready to trust Jesus as my Savior," Nelson told his parents.

–Lisa Fuller