Lost at sea for nearly 5 months, two women had harrowing tales of survival that included shark attacks. They also claimed that 6 forms of communication all mysteriously and simultaneously malfunctioned. The Coast Guard, however, suspects that for some reason these women did not want to be found.

That’s because it gets even weirder: Besides the malfunctioning of all forms of communication, there was also an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board their vessel. This device should have virtually guaranteed their rescue. Yet, for some reason, it was never turned on. Their excuse was that they never felt they were “truly in distress.”

Paul said in his letter to the church in Rome, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) indicating there are far more than just 2 ladies lost at sea. Yet, in his first letter to Timothy he says that “[God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Thankfully, just like the ladies had an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) so do we as Christians, and it is the Gospel. Earlier inn his letter to the church in Rome Paul declared “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

Unfortunately just like these two ladies in our story, I wonder how many lost people simply do not want to be found. Perhaps they’re afraid that coming to Christ will mean a change of lifestyle. For Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” For some, i suppose it is more appealing to drown in sin than to live in obedience.

Or, maybe they’re like the prodigal son who have to hit bottom first. The sobering reality is that not all will rise up from the ashes after hitting rock bottom. The saddest story in the Bible is that Judas, the one who betrayed our Lord, could have been forgiven of his betrayal just as the apostle Paul was forgiven of his crusade against Christians. Yet, when he hit rock bottom his life ended, and so did his opportunity for forgiveness and salvation.

Sadly, many know of the saving grace of Christ but choose to remain adrift, lost at sea, believing they have time. They know the EPIB is on the boat, but they don’t feel the urgency to turn it on.

“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).