Today’s Post Written By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
During a recent family vacation, I was swimming in the ocean with my niece and sister-in-law, riding bigger than usual waves caused by hurricane “Arthur”. Although the tropical storm waited offshore, it still caused choppy conditions up and down the coastline. Some of the waves became so strong that they nearly knocked us off our feet.
When I heard the shrill sound of the lifeguard’s whistle and saw him waving his flag, I was on high alert. I called out to my sister-in-law. “Do you think they spotted a shark or something?” She seemed unconcerned, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I decided to head back to shore. When I looked up to get my bearings, I noticed we were no longer parallel with our beach umbrella and chairs. In fact, we had drifted a good distance away.
As I began making my way back to shore, a strong current began pulling me sideways, making progress difficult. Finally I made it to shallow waters, but as I waded in ankle deep water, I noticed a lifeguard swimming our way. My niece began shouting to her Mom, “Get out of the way! The lifeguard is trying to save someone!”
Oh, he was trying to save someone alright. He was trying to save them!
We later learned that my precious family members were caught in a riptide and didn’t even realize it. After being pulled to safety, the lifeguard explained how he could tell they were in trouble based on the movement of the waves. If he had not come to their aid, they would have likely been pulled further and further out to sea.
Sometimes the storms and difficulties of this life can cause us to drift us further from God and the plan He has for our lives. Heartache, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness are strong fluxes that can test our faith and threaten our resolve. Blinded by uncertainty or indecision we might not even recognize our perilous situation until it’s too late. And because we are oblivious to our need, we ignore the life-preserver God keeps throwing our way.
Are you struggling to see God is in the midst of your circumstance? Do you doubt whether He sees or even cares what happens to you? I can promise you this. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Take the Lord’s hand and cling to His promises. He will keep your head above water until you are back on solid ground.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2)
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2)
“[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39)
