Swimming Against the Waves

Little girl in swimsuitI wouldn’t call myself a great swimmer.  But my childhood swimming lessons at the pool in Crookston, MN and at Lake Linka in Starbuck, MN make it possible for me to stroke, crawl, and float.

I do OK as long as the water is calm.  It’s when the water gets rough and wavy that I run into trouble.  And when that happens?  I may have all the sheer determination and focus in the world—but it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to do much more than just keep my head above water.  I don’t have the knowledge, experience, or strength to meet the challenges of that moment.

Now Dara Torres could probably take on some of that rougher water.  Dara is the fastest female swimmer in America.  She has competed in 5 Olympic games, winning 12 medals.  She has the strength and (amazingly toned!) muscles to do more than dog paddle and pant when the waves are high.  Why?  She has studied.  Practiced.  Trained.

And yet…

There are some waves in life that we can’t conquer, no matter how trained or disciplined we are.  We can’t practice caring for a parent with dimentia.  We can’t train for the emotional devastation of losing our home.  All the disicpline in the world doesn’t guarantee cancer-free bodies.

What then?

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help…”

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters
. (Psalm 18:6, 16)

God is ALWAYS bigger than our situation.  HE will get us through the storm.

What are the waves that are crashing around you today?  Death?  Disease?  A runaway child?  Loss of a job?  Heartbreak and anguish that you feel as physical pain in your chest?

God hears your cry.  And He can rescue you.

Stop fighting the currents.  Let God reach down and draw you to Him.
Say “Yes, God.”

God didn’t promise us an easy life.
God promised that He would always be with us.

Oh, God, please reach down and pull me out of the waves.  Help me to trust you.  Give me the courage to stop struggling, and let my heart and my weary body rest in your arms.  Please slow my beating heart and give me your peace.  Thank you.  Amen.

 

Would you like a little inspiration from me every day?

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to see live videos and posts regularly!

Posted in

You are Extraordinarily Significant!