I was a freshman in college in a foreign land. The place was Costa Rica and what a breathtaking place it was. For the first time in my life I was able to see tropical rain forests, mighty rivers and most impressively active volcanoes.

It was a Sabbath afternoon when some of my friends and I decided to go to the Poas Volcano. We spent the afternoon looking down into the majestic crater which is about a mile in diameter. My best friend and I thought it would be exciting to take a closer look.

When the Park Ranger was not looking we jumped over the rail and started our decent into the crater. We got extremely close to the center of the crater when we finally realized how dangerous it was. The clouds started to roll in and the tropical breeze began to pick up. The smell of sulfur was intoxicating but we had to climb out of the crater. As the rain began to fall we began our tedious task of climbing up the slippery volcanic ash.

I was pulling my self up when all of a sudden the ash crumbled and I began to fall backwards into the crater. Then just when I thought I would be burnt toast, I felt a strong hand push me back against the mountain side. As I looked to thank my best friend I saw that he was fifteen feet to the side of me. The hand of God saved me from destruction that day. I had been given a new chance at life, I was not going to waste it away.

Are you slipping in life today? Have you fallen in the crater of depression? The hand of the Lord is there. Trust in Him and He will bring you to your salvation. Do not let the trials of this world take you down. Do not let the intoxicating pressures suffocate you. The mighty hand of the Lord is still powerful today. Give him your heart and your life. It will be the best trip you have ever experienced.

Copyright © 2000 David Pasos (Florida)
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