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Stand Down

Desperation God's Deliverance Submission

Source: "2 officers, 1 first responder killed responding to domestic violence call in Minnesota; shooter also dead" By Doha Madani and Rebecca Cohen, published NBC News 2/18/24

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: Kikeh Anthony | Date Posted: 2024-02-28

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ; James 4:7

Author: Kikeh Anthony
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ILLUSTRATION

Two police officers and a first responder were killed in Burnsville, Minnesota, responding to “a call of a family in danger” Sunday morning, according Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. 

The two officers and a pardemic firefighter were killed during a domestic disturbance call. The shooter had barricaded himself inside his home with 7 children and his wife therein. During the standoff and attempted negotiations, the man opened fire, killing the 3 first responders before being hit by other officers who had arrived on the scence. The children and wife were safely escorted out after the man was found deceased at 8:00am. 

The officers and firefifghters were there to respond to a man clearly in crisis, perhaps assailed by his own pain, his own frustration, his own despair, his own internal turmoil, and perhaps the turmoil within his own home and life. Whatever was happening in his life, whatever was occruing or contributing to such a deadly response, the fatal blow to both himself and the responders was actually dealt the moment he refused to respond to the efforts of those who were ulitimately there to spare him, to save him, the woman, and the children.

Sure, he would have faced consequences. But maybe the family would have forgiven him, refusing to press charges. Maybe the state would have been understanding and lenient.

If only he had stood down, his life, and the lives of the others, could have been spared.

APPLICATION

In our own times of trouble, of crisis, of despair, the Lord comes to us as a type of first responder. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit  ... the Godhead comes to us ready to minister in any way necessary. Ready to talk us off our ledges. Ready to minister peace. Ready to save.

Stand down, believer!  

The situation may be dire. You may be as desperate as you have ever been. It may be difficult to simply receive the help. But stand down!

Stand down and receive the witness of the Heavenly Responders: Faither, Son, and Holy Spirit. They work in coordination and complete harmony with one another. Theirs is the only response that will spare your life, and eternally set you on the course toward repair.

Stand down, believer! They are not there to put you down but to pull you through. 

"Do not quench the Spirit" I Thessalonians 5:19, ESV).

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble" (Psalm 46:1, BSB).
 

Drowning In Sin

Sin Evangelism Desperation

Source: "Do You Know What Drowning Looks Like?" Published in MEDICAL NEWS TODAY, 28 Jun 2013, originally published 10 Aug 2010

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: Darren Chester | Date Posted: 2013-08-15

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22

Author: Darren Chester
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ILLUSTRATION

I recently viewed a videotape used to train lifeguards on how to recognize when someone is drowning. We often think that a person who is drowning will thrash about in the water and yell, “HELP! HELP! I'm drowning!” In reality, they become almost paralyzed by fear and incapable of calling for help.

The video illustrated how this works. It showed a young girl of about ten sitting on an inner tube float in the deep end of a wave pool, surrounded by children and a few adults. When the girl adjusted herself on the tube, she fell off and slipped to the bottom of the pool where the water was right at the top of her head.

There was no thrashing about and she couldn't yell for help. Instead, subtly, her hands came just above the surface as if she were reaching for something. Thankfully, a lifeguard spotted her and within a few seconds had a flotation device under her. The most remarkable thing was that the people around her were oblivious to the fact that she was drowning!

Note: for more detailed information on how to recognize drowning, visit the article in the link to source above.

APPLICATION

Are you oblivious to the fact that there are people all around you who are drowning in their sin? They may not be trashing about or yelling for your help, but these desperate people are quietly calling out. As Christians, we must learn to recognize the signs of someone struggling, paralyzed and overwhelmed by the power of sin.

Don't be oblivious to the drowning soul right next to you!

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Rick Warren's Son Takes Own Life

Desperation Depression Death

Source: "Rick Warren's Son Takes Own Life After Lifelong Battle With Mental Illness" by Alex Murashco, Christian Post Reporter, published CHRISTIAN POST, 4/6/13

Link to Source: Click here to view source

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2013-04-08

Scripture: Psalms 42:5 ; Psalms 43:2

Author: Illustration Exchange
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ILLUSTRATION

Lest we think that Christians are somehow immune to mental illness, depression, or despair, just ask world renown Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church whose youngest son, Matthew, committed suicide just this week (4/5/13). Pastor Warren has had a worldwide impact on both believers and unbelievers alike. His son, Matthew, was a committed Christian with the spiritual gifts of compassion and encouragement. Years ago, Warren reports, his son asked him, "Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?"

APPLICATION

The chronic mental torture of depression is not unlike the torture of chronic physical illness. We are quick to come alongside those who suffer physical pain, offer sympathy, and tell them we "understand." Yet those who suffer mental anguish are more likely to be judged and ridiculed for their supposed "lack of faith."

For Matthew, the pain is over. He is in the arms of his Savior. May we, the living, not inflict any unwarranted pain upon the countless others--often in the pews beside us--who likewise suffer mental anguish.

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God" (Psalm 42:5, c.f. 43:2).

Designer's "Hug Me" Jacket Leaves You Out In The Cold

Desperation Loneliness God's Love

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2013-04-06

Scripture: Isaiah 61:2

Author: Illustration Exchange
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Hangin' From A Telephone Pole

Prayer Desperation Humor

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2012-10-26

Scripture: Psalms 34:17

Author: Dr. Rich Dorst
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To Save A Drowning Dane

Evangelism Compassion Desperation

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2012-09-29

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:22

Author: Associated Press
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Wiggling Fingers

Seeker Desperation God's Accessibility

Contributed By: Nathan Shockley | Date Posted: 2011-12-12

Scripture: Eph 3:12

Author: Darla J. Shockley
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You Never Know What Will Lead You Home

Desperation God's Faithfulness Guidance

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2011-05-14

Scripture: Psalms 27:14

Author: Illustration Exchange
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The Cure For Depression

Depression Desperation Discouragement

Contributed By: Illustration Exchange | Date Posted: 2011-03-26

Scripture: Psalms 42:5

Author: Editor's, Nelson's Annual
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There Is Hope

Hope Salvation Desperation

Contributed By: David Holwick | Date Posted: 2011-02-04

Scripture: Romans 5:8

Author: David Holwick
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