When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
Isaiah 43:2a (NLT)
Series: The Gift of Faith
Taking a deep breath, I dove into the deep end of the pool. As I hit the water, a rush of adrenalin hit me and I immediately began swimming to the surface. How old were you when you learned to swim? Did you take lessons or learn on your own? When I was in elementary school, my parents had an in-ground swimming pool and my mom insisted we take lessons for our safety. Swimming in the deep end, diving off the board, and cannon balls were an everyday occurrence most summers.
I loved having friends over and hanging out in the water, but when I was swimming alone, it was different. Not that it was “scary” but my senses were heightened and I was always more cautious if I was by myself. Knowing how to swim didn’t mean I couldn’t injure myself if I was careless. In fact, our number one rule about the pool was that we were never to be in it unless someone else was home.
What makes having someone with you in certain situations less intimidating? When I travel to unfamiliar areas, I often feel safer if my husband is with me because I know he will do everything in his power to keep me safe. I find comfort in having a good friend by my side when going to crowded places or trying new activities. Although having our friends or family with us in the joys and difficulties of life is important, let’s not lose sight of the One who never leaves us. Jesus.
David said in Psalm 16:8 that he would not be shaken because the Lord was always with him—right beside him. Growing our faith requires us to trust Him, even in times of trouble, or when we are brokenhearted. Are you holding this truth in your heart? Does knowing He is with you calm your fears and bring rest to your soul? Let’s look at a scripture about the first disciples and how an experience with Jesus left them marveling at His power. In Matthew 8:23-27 (NLT) we read:
Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey Him!”
Right before the men climbed into the boat with Jesus, they watched Him heal many people, including a man with leprosy, His disciple’s mother-in-law, and even a Roman Centurion’s servant. He also casts out several demonic spirits, and continued to heal more sick who came to Him that evening. One would think their reaction would have been more faith-filled when that storm came swirling in. The boat ride to the other side of the sea, through turbulent waters, may have been a test of faith for the disciples. Jesus asked, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
Shouldn’t the men have realized Jesus could calm that storm? After all the miracles they watched only hours before, would they not know He could and would also save them? As obvious as it seems, don’t we have trouble trusting Jesus when we are amid the storms of our lives? Standing firm on our faith, having confidence He is with us and beside us, isn’t as easy when those waves roll in. Once our eyes become fixated on the hardship or commotion, we struggle to cast our fears or worries upon Jesus. Our faith grows stronger in these situations when we focus on Him instead of our circumstances.
Is your boat filling with water today? Do you have a problem you cannot stop replaying in your mind? Refocus. Put your eyes back on Jesus and hold fast to the truth that He is beside you. He isn’t asking you to do this on your own. He is asking you to trust Him. Have faith in His power. Do not panic or withdraw from those around you, leaving yourself more susceptible to the schemes and lies of the enemy.
Let’s remember how Jesus healed, protected, and helped those in need. It is okay to cry out to Him, but cry out with faith-filled expectation and He will carry you through. Today is a new day full of mercies. Lift your head sisters because still waters are coming.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Isaiah 43:2a; Psalm 16:8; Matthew 8:23-27; Colossians 3:2; 1 Peter 5:8