Lifeline - Part 1

When I woke up from a night’s sleep just recently I “heard” the word LIFELINE. I immediately knew that I needed to study this word to see what the Lord wanted to talk to me about. Maybe it was an idea for a sermon, this blog, or possibly I would meet someone who needed to hear what I learned. Or maybe someone listening to our daily radio program in Africa needed a LIFELINE and the Lord was preparing me to “throw” it!

To then deepen in my heart that I needed to study about LIFELINES, I “happened” upon a documentary that covered the life of a rancher in Colorado. Guess what was one of the things they brought up on that show? That’s right. The documentary spent some considerable time talking about LIFELINES.

So here we go! Let’s spend a few weeks delving into this topic and see what the Lord has to share with us as we study the significance of this word LIFELINE. I am certain that God has directed this message and I pray it is a help and an encouragement to you!

First of all, what is the definition of a LIFELINE? Here are some of the things I found.

A lifeline is:

• A line used for saving lives.
• A system set up to aid those in need or crisis: a phone system, alert buttons, or particular procedures for safety.
• Something to grab onto when in danger.
• Something to grasp when needing support: physically or emotionally like group therapy or advocates.
• Something to cling to when needing assistance in a critical time.

All of us experience in our lives various times or different situations where we realize we need a lifeline. And in practice, a LIFELINE can take the form of so many things as we realize the value it brings to our needs. Here are a few LIFELINES that you may not have thought about.

• A well: A well can be dug in places that are dry and desolate. When the water begins to flow it brings “life” to homes and people for drinking, cooking, washing things, etc. That well becomes a LIFELINE to a whole community.
• A car: A car can be a means of escape during hurricanes, tornados, or other natural disasters. It can be a lifeline of transport to a place of safety.
• A friend: In times of need or distress, a friend can bring us food, clothing, comfort and fellowship.
• A rope: In the Bible we know the story of Rahab and the rope she lowered for the Israelite spies. The rope became a symbol of protection. Sailors used ropes and they were called lifelines.

Next week we will continue the exploration of this concept of LIFELINE by finding some examples in the Scriptures. Over the next several days why don’t you take some time to think about and identify some of the LIFELINES that have come your way to bring you help in time of need.

Blessings to you!

Dr. Sharon Predovich