Life is a challenge. Whatever your circumstances, there are
always problems popping up and it’s easy to give way to anxiety and sink into
pity or even despair. Problems can paralyze, but God has not given us a spirit
of timidity but a spirit of sound mind and of courage.
A few years ago we were in Australia at the Great Barrier
Reef. Twenty-five miles offshore, out of sight of land, we were going to
snorkel.
I’m not a good swimmer. I’m anxious when out of my depth and
more than an arm’s length from the side of a pool. But I desperately wanted to
enjoy one of God’s most extravagant creations, so during the twenty-five mile
boat trip out to the reef, I was quiet, sitting and praying that the Lord would
not just help me do it, but enable me to enjoy it.
What freedom! I absolutely loved it. The beauty of the coral
below the water; the variety of gloriously coloured marine life and the ever
changing terrain below water has to be experienced. Truly a wonder of the
world.
As a hurricane was on the way the waves were increasingly choppy, so
when I lifted my face to the surface of the water, I got splashed and bobbed
around. But then, lying my face flat again against the surface of the water, I
became part of a peaceful and restful underwater wonderland.
The water is splashing me in the face these days. A few things
are causing turbulence. But when I remember that experience, I am encouraged to
metaphorically put my face to the surface and allow the peace of God to draw me
in.
When I pull back out again, though the water may still be
splashing me in the face, my spirit is calm and I can embrace life with
courage, trusting in God’s faithfulness and love.
I pray that whatever
challenges you are facing, God will make you brave, too.
