Two Rowboats and a Helicopter

a contemporary Christian story

A pious man who tried to live by God’s will dwelled in a valley out in the country. One day a great rain came to his valley and the floodwaters rose. The man went from the first floor to the second floor as the rains continued. Finally he climbed out onto the roof. A rescue boat came up and offered to row him to safety but this man sent them away saying, “I have full faith in God. I pray and believe and trust he will care for me.” So the rowboat left. The storm continued, it rained further, and soon the floodwaters were up to his neck. A second rowboat came to rescue him and again was dismissed in the same way. “I have faith and trust in God. I pray and believe,” and they were sent away. It continued to rain and the water got so high that the man could barely breathe through his mouth and nose. A helicopter flew over and let down a ladder to rescue him. “Come up,” they said, “we will take you to safety.” “No,” he cried with the same words as before, “I have faith in God. I pray and believe and I trust and I have followed him,” and he sent the helicopter away. However, it continued to rain, the waters rose, and finally he was drowned.

He went to heaven and after a short period there was granted an interview with God. He went in and was seated in front of the Almighty and then began to ask, “I had so much faith in you. I believed in you so fully. I prayed and tried to follow your will. I just don’t understand.” At this point God scratched his head and said, “I don’t understand either! I sent you two rowboats and a helicopter.”