We have a couple of boards at the lake called SUP (stand up paddle) boards. There are good exercise for your core, work on balance and strengthen arms. The teetering part of the exercise is getting from your knees to a standing position, and once up, you have a good chance of staying up. My daughter Jennifer is our one who stirs the waters of adventure and this weekend instead of supping in the calmness and security of the cove, she ventured out to the big waters of the lake all alone, and made it back safely without falling in. The challenge had begun. For the next day she talked her dad into going with her, and when they finished Molly and I tagged teamed with them and we then went out to brave the main body. The thing is, as long as their are no boats and no huge wakes the water remains calm, but when the boats come breezing by distributing a wake and waves you have to bend your knees, keep paddling and hope for balance, because if you fall that water is pretty cold, and it would be a cool paddle back home.
Isn't that similar to life? We like to stay in the calmness and security of a protected cove. To venture out is a challenge that we often times choose to make. Oh but there are other times the winds of change blow us right out to the main body where we are forced to try to keep our balance in spite of the rough waters. I was paddling with Molly who is in much greater shape than I am am and certainly much more confident with her athletic ability. The boats would speed by and she knew I was prone to getting a little edgy and she would say just keep paddling mom, you will make it. And then when the waves had hit the shore and I realized that I had overcome the waters, she would say, see you made it.
We are all going to be blown out of our comfort zones at one time or another. And some of us may very well lose our balance and end up in the cold waters of frustration, discontent, failure, grief, suffering, etc and have to paddle home to Christ in a shivering state of mind. I figure God will get me through that too! But if we do not risk the adventure, we forfeit that opportunity to let God display his sovereignty. He has a way of showing up whenever we call upon his name in ways that we would never contemplate.
And even when the waters are rough and the wakes are coming our way, God will give us the balance, fortitude and strength to keep on paddling if we stay focused on on him and not on the circumstances. These were some of the lessons that I will be reminded of the next time the winds blow through my life and blow me into unfamiliar waters.
1) Begin on your knees and graduate to a standing position. If we begin with prayer, God will enable us and give us the strength to stand in the face of adversity.
2) Approach with confidence, even if you are a beginner. God is steady even is you are not.
3) Don't just stand there when the waves are coming at you, paddle! Dig deep and gain the traction that you need in faith.
4) Accept any encouragement that is given with appreciation and gratitude. Listen to that little voice within you that says, keep on paddling, you are going to make it, and believe in it. It is God's whispering nudge that will keep you balanced.
5) Don't look at the waves, keep your eyes focused on your target. God!
This is just a light little analogy but one that I can so relate to after being in the waters with Molly. God has given us a board to stand on: his foundation. He has given us a paddle to help us move in a certain direction: his word. And God has given us the waters to coast through: life. He has given us a mind and sprit and body to forge ahead in his direction: focus. If we hold onto to the truth that we know, and embrace the faith that is within us, and trust in the one who knows all, sees all and controls all, we will ride the board of life in confidence no matter how rough the waters may be.
Jeremiah 17:7
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.
Dear Lord, May you give us confidence in our approach, humility in our attitude, balance in our faithfulness, and strategically plant us in your word when we venture out of our comfort zone and into unknown waters. Amen
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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