Something happened that changed my life forever. I went to Michigan Adventure with my church’s youth group, and looked forward to a day of fun with friends, riding the rides, and swimming in the water attractions. The wave pool looked pretty exciting. I had never been in a wave pool and didn’t know what it was like, but since I love trying new things I was all for it!

My friends charged right in and soon were getting farther and farther away from shore. I realized I was left behind, so I quickly charged toward my friends. Soon I was on unsafe ground. The waves kept rushing over my head and knocking me off my feet.

Knowing I was in trouble, I quickly turned and tried to make my way to shore. I am not a great swimmer, and the waves were at least eight feet high. They knocked me over and dragged me. Whenever a wave knocked me under, I popped up, grabbed a mouthful of air, and tried to get as far away as possible before the next wave hit.

Eventually, I decided this plan was not working. I determined to take a deep breath and swim as hard as I could toward the shore and not stop until I absolutely had to come back up for air. But when I popped up, another wave hit from above, so there was no time for me to get air. I became extremely low on oxygen. My head, heart, and lungs felt as if they would burst. I was so panicked—thrashing, pushing, and striving.

Then it hit me. I wasn’t going to get out. I was so exhausted without enough air that there was no way to pull myself out. I realized I was going to die. At that moment, a peace and calmness completely filled me. I stopped moving and let the waves tug me back and forth.

All of a sudden a thought came to my mind: How can you give up? There are so many people around you; the pool is filled with so many … just reach out and grab someone.

So I did. The man I grabbed was confused at first, but when he realized the seriousness of this action he held on tight and pulled me up out of the waves. I held on for dear life, knowing he would hold me up.

Choking and gasping for air, I couldn’t even say thank you. My blurry eyes couldn’t see his face. All I know is he asked me over and over if I was okay. And I was.

Being saved is a humbling process. It eliminates options. It means totally giving up the hope of being fine on your own, that you can take care of yourself, and that you don’t need anyone for security. It’s relying completely on someone else because without them... you’re done.

That’s where Jesus steps in. Just reach out and grab Him! He will hold you above any waves of sin, defeat, and death. And even though you’ve never seen His face, you know He’s there. Why? Because He holds us above the waves.

Linda-Rose Flonise Michel is a senior at Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and attends the Pioneer Memorial Church. She will receive a $100 scholarship since her article was selected for publication.