Be Trained to Take Action

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.‘“ Acts 4:12 NIV

In a story titled “Nurse Saves Runner With Compassion And Fast-Acting Skills: “I Just Did What I Had To Do!” published yesterday, it was reported that Giustino Racchini, a 19-year-old Penn State Freshman and cross-country runner, collapsed while out on a run recently. Thankfully for him, trauma nurse Jackie Strange was on her way to take her daughter to a gymnastics class when she ‘just happened’ to come upon him lying in the road. Jackie rushed to his side and was able to perform CPR until the paramedics arrived. Thanks to her quick action, Giustino survived. “His heart simply stopped — cardiac arrest, and it’s likely genetic,” the doctors explained. Jackie later met the young man and his mother, Heather, at the hospital. Mom says you saved me,” Giustino gripped Jackie’s hand. “I just did what I’ve been trained to do,” Jackie protested, but Heather wouldn’t hear it.“You saved his life. It’s that simple,” she insisted. Doctors installed a defibrillator in case Giustino’s heart ever stops again, and after 10 days, he was home.“Without Jackie, I wouldn’t be here,” he says gratefully.“I’m just happy I was there, and everything worked out,” Jackie smiles.

And you know, when it comes to being adequately  trained to save a person’s life, spiritually speaking, it’s imperative that believers truly understand that “Salvation is found in no one else” and can never be earned no matter how ‘good’ a person is or how much ‘good’ a person does. You see, a person who has not accepted Jesus as their Savior will spend eternity in hell, because “there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” This absolute and indisputable truth must motivate us to train in the Word so we can be ready to share the gospel with urgency and compassion, that none might perish on account of our lack of preparation, silence and/or inaction. 

So read and study the Word each and every day my friend. And then be on the lookout for opportunities to share the Good News. The Great Commission isn’t merely a suggestion for a few choice preachers but a command and call to action for every believer. We must all do our part in making heaven full. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that unless a person accepts You as Savior before they die, they will not spend eternity in heaven. Knowing that, please compel us to train each and every day in the Word so that we will be ready to perform spiritual CPR the moment the need arises Lord. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!