Mr. Barnes’ experience (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Peter...cried out, saying, Lord, save me! And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him.
Matthew 14:29-31.

Mr. Barnes' experience (1)
Erwin Barnes was 19 years old when he was conscripted into the British Royal Air force. On the evening of the 7th March 1945 his unit took off for an attack on Hamburg. On the approach his aircraft was hit, and three of the four engines caught fire. In the darkness the pilot made a successful emergency landing somewhere in the North Sea. The plane neither broke up despite the impact, nor did it sink: it had landed on a sand bank in the Weser estuary. The water rose with the next high tide and the plane filled up.

A lifeboat approached, but not wanting to be rescued by Germans, Mr. Barnes refused to board it. He would rather drown. Finally, in view of certain death, he gave way, grasped the helping hands, went on board and was rescued. A few weeks later the war was over, and he returned to England.

His aversion towards the enemy was understandable. But the rescue operation sought to save him. What should he do? He had to put his aversion aside and grasp those outstretched hands.

Some people act similarly towards God. They consider Him an enemy with doubtful intentions. But God wants to save them! He can do so only if they let Him: He compels no-one. In heaven there will be only those who were prepared to be saved.

God is still extending His hands to save people, even you!

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today's reading: Exodus 34:27-35 · Luke 15:11-19