In a small village, heavy rain caused floods that began to submerge the entire village. A priest was praying in his church, and the water had already reached his knees. A rescuer arrived in a small boat and said, “Father, get on board quickly! The flood will drown you!” The priest replied, “No! I trust that God will save me. You go help others first.”
After a while, the water had risen to his chest, and the priest barely stood on the altar. A police officer came in a speedboat and said, “Father, get on! You will drown if you don’t!” The priest answered, “No, I will stay in my church. I believe God will save me. Go help others first.”
Later, the flood submerged the entire church, and the priest clung tightly to the cross at the top. A helicopter flew over, and the pilot dropped a rope ladder, shouting, “Father, get on! This is your last chance. We don’t want to see you drowned!” The priest remained steadfast, saying, “No, I will hold the church! God will save me. Help others first; God is with me!”
The flood swept him away, and the stubborn priest drowned. In heaven, he angrily asked God, “Lord, I devoted my life to serve you diligently. Why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “How could I not save you? The first time, I sent a small boat, and you refused; the second time, a speedboat, and you still refused; the third time, a helicopter, and you again refused. I thought you were eager to return to my side.” Many obstacles in life stem from excessive stubbornness and ignorance. When someone offers help, only by being willing to accept it ourselves can we truly be aided.
