Stranded: A Parent's Guide to Understanding Salvation

Have you ever watched your child try to do something completely on their own, insisting "I can do it myself!" - even when they clearly need help? Maybe it's trying to tie their shoes, reach something on a high shelf, or solve a math problem that's just beyond their current abilities. As parents, we see their determination, but we also see the bigger picture. We know when they need help, even if they don't realize it yet.

Surprisingly, this common parenting moment hints at a much bigger story - our own spiritual story.

Imagine being born on a deserted island. Not a tropical paradise with room service and cocktails, but a real, isolated place separated from civilization. This island is the only reality you've ever known. You might have figured out how to survive there, maybe even built a decent life. But deep down, you sense there's something more out there, beyond the horizon.

This is actually a picture of our spiritual reality. The Bible tells us we're all born spiritually separated from God - like being born on that island, cut off from the mainland. It's not because of anything we did wrong initially; we were simply born into this situation (Romans 3:23).

As a parent, think about the moment you first held your newborn. That instant, overwhelming love you felt? That protective instinct to keep them safe and close? God feels that way about us - but infinitely more. The separation breaks His heart, just like it would break ours to be separated from our children.

"But wait," you might be thinking, "I'm a good person. I take care of my family, pay my taxes, and volunteer at school. Surely that counts for something?" This is one of the most common questions people ask, and it's a fair one.

Going back to our island metaphor, it's like trying to swim to the mainland. No matter how strong a swimmer you are, the distance is too great, the currents too strong. Even Olympic swimmers couldn't make it. In the same way, no amount of good deeds can bridge the gap between us and God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Think about when your child makes a mistake - maybe they break something valuable while roughhousing after you've told them repeatedly to stop. They might try to "make up for it" by being extra helpful or sweet. While you appreciate the effort, it doesn't actually fix what was broken, does it?

Here's where the story takes an amazing turn. God saw us on our island - trying to build our best lives but ultimately separated from Him - and He did something about it. He sent Jesus, like a rescue boat, to bridge the gap we couldn't cross ourselves.

Jesus didn't just throw us a life preserver and shout instructions from a distance. He came all the way to our island, lived among us, and then paid the ultimate price to secure our rescue. The Bible puts it this way: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

As parents, we make sacrifices for our kids all the time - giving up sleep, preferences, and sometimes even career opportunities. But imagine choosing to give your life to save not just your own child, but children who might never even thank you for it. That's what Jesus did.

Another common question is, "Aren't there other ways to reach God? What about other religions?" It's a thoughtful question, especially in our diverse world. Jesus addressed this directly when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

In our island metaphor, there might be lots of boats passing by - some offering different philosophies, some promising easier routes. But only one boat can actually get us to the mainland, because only one captain paid the price to secure our passage.

The amazing thing about this rescue is that it's offered freely to everyone. We don't have to clean ourselves up first or prove we deserve it. We simply have to:

1. Admit we need rescue (we can't swim to shore on our own)
2. Believe Jesus is who He says He is (the Son of God who died and rose again)
3. Choose to trust Him with our lives

It's like teaching your child to ride a bike - at some point, they have to trust you enough to let go of the wall and believe you'll catch them if they fall.

If you're curious about learning more or taking your first step toward the mainland, we'd love to have you visit Hope Church. We know visiting a church for the first time can feel intimidating - especially with kids! - but we've got you covered.
Visit our "Plan a Visit" page to:

• See service times
• Learn about our children's programs
• Get directions and parking information

You won't be pressured or put on the spot. Just come as you are, bring your questions, and explore what it means to accept the rescue God offers through Jesus.

Remember: Just like you love watching your children learn and grow, God delights in every step we take toward Him. You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to step into the boat.