One summer in our college years, Jan and I worked as lifeguards at different locations. We were trained how to approach a drowning person so they would not take us down with them. We were of no use to anyone if we didn’t personally train, practice, and prepare. Jan told me she was at a disadvantage because she had to learn to open her eyes underwater and breathe properly to hold her breath longer. She practiced every day to build up endurance, strength, and ability. I was a competition swimmer, plus my size and strength were helpful. But when it came to someone drowning, we both needed special training.
When a victim was flailing in the water or underwater, we would spin them around, take a specific head-and-arm hold, and pull them out of danger to safety. Depending on circumstances, and if possible, a pole, branch, paddle, or rope extended was effective and safer. We learned emergency procedures in respiratory resuscitation. In any case, personal contact is necessary.
The same principles hold true when trying to rescue someone in spiritual jeopardy. We can learn about the theory of spiritual warfare, but it is hands-on, up close, on-the-job training in the realm of prayer, in the wisdom and understanding of the Lord. His wise strategic counsel, His mighty warrior power, His revelation knowledge, and reverence for Him make a strong foundation.
We are not much use to someone else if we have not practiced being led by the Holy Spirit. If we are not living what we are teaching. If we have not experienced personal deliverance. When we jump in to rescue someone, but our character does not match our enthusiasm, we will find ourselves struggling not to get pulled under with the drowning person.
In Acts 4, after the Day of Pentecost, the Church was thrust into real-life, life-or-death issues. Opposition would come from the very people they were called to rescue from eternal death. We, too, have been called and hopefully trained to intervene and rescue those in jeopardy. Peter wrote, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
My best training has come from communion with God and His Word. From that foundation, I recognize that nothing can be done apart from Him. The truth of His Word has led me to recognize the beliefs and mindsets I’ve held in opposition to Him. The devil has looked to devour me where there were strongholds, and I have needed deliverance more than once.
From that personal training, I am better equipped to reach out a rescuing hand to those drowning around me. Like a lifeguard on a mission, I am always watching—always alert. But more importantly, I am always in training to be alert to what God sees, what He is saying, and what He is doing. He is the Rescuer, and I am His helping hand.
Often, the rescuer also needs to be rescued. Rescuers are often aware of a dominant missional motivation to navigate through danger to rescue one in jeopardy – but unaware of deeper issues that they have not yet confronted in themselves. This is depicted in the closing scene in “Pretty Woman” where Richard Gere overcomes his fear of heights to climb a fire escape to “rescue” Julia Roberts from the life of a street prostitute. He asks “What happens after he rescues the pretty maiden?” She replies “She rescues him right back!”
I also spent years rescuing others in distress – and the most vital family and friends – responded to my heroism – and rescued me right back.