February 15, 2018

I AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE:

TO KEEP MY HEAD ABOVE WATER (part 1)

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

All of us that know Christ will have seasons in our life that we find ourselves “passing through the waters”. At times it can come upon us quickly. We are traveling through life doing our best to serve the Lord, take care of our family, and be kind to others when all of a sudden the waters have risen all around us. The waters of loneliness have risen around some, the waters of confusion around others, the waters of illness and disease are increasing around many, and the waters of circumstances continue to overtake many on a daily basis.

It is not that we do not know to swim, it is the fact that we are so spiritually worn out, we just cannot swim that long. We fight, swim, and kick frantically to keep breathing above water but eventually we just wear down. We are carrying so much in life, so much responsibility, so many burdens, so many relationships, so many temptations, that we just don’t have any free hands to tread water. Are you passing through some waters today?

God then gives us the scenario of crossing a river, that begins to overflow the individual. I personally envision the principle of crossing a river that is deeper than it looks. You have been there. A small creek or brook that you take steps across and all of a sudden you take a step that is much deeper than you anticipated. You get your shoes and socks and even pants soaking wet, not to mention looking like an idiot in the process. This verse describes that kind of experience, but to a far greater degree. We are handling life as we always have, doing the same things we did yesterday but all of a sudden we hit a deep,dark, unexpected part in the river and we go under. As a youth pastor, I have taken youth groups white water rafting many times. I will spare you of all the funny stories, but I have experienced once you fall in that kind of river, rough water begins to take you so strongly and quickly that you cannot get on your feet. You can fight it, but you won’t win.

So here are two illustrations given by God. Waters you have to get “through”, and the other side of a river that you are trying to get “to”. This automatically brings us to some questions. Are there some waters you are trying to get “through” today? Is there a river you are trying to cross today? We will discuss the more positive side of this verse the next few days, but let me leave you with this encouraging thought today: God uses the word “through”. Why is that important? We can get through! We can get across! If you are passing through some waters today, it should encourage you that you’re doing just that. You are getting through. God will not leave you nor for sake you. He is an ever present help to you, when you find yourself in trouble, waters, rivers, and even trials. I’m already excited about the devotional tomorrow, but rest assured today, you are going to make it across. You will get through it.

I am persuaded that He is able to keep my head above water!