Fighting The Current

Friday Mom and I spent the day at the beach. Because I love to be in the water, I like to walk in neck deep water for an hour. I walk against the current about 40 minutes and then 20 minutes on the way back. Coming back is easy and I love it! While in nature I always try to praise God and listen. I was reminded of something a friend said the other day. She said that things were going so well that she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. You have probably heard that before and probably have felt that way.

She is not a pessimistic person. She was just stating the facts. I was thinking about how there was a day I might have thought that was being negative but I did not take it that way at all. We know because we have been told there will be trials. John 16: 33, "'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As I walked against that current I had to stay focused on the finish line because I got very tired. I was winded. I was sweating. It was hard. I looked forward to the walk with the current on the way back because that would be the easy part.

I believe God gives us rests in between the hard times so we can be refreshed and reflect on our encounter with Him. This helps our faith grow. That growth will give us the desire to learn and grow more. Each time our eyes will be opened more to what God is doing for us. If we know trials will come then why aren't we preparing?

I am so grateful that I had a strong relationship with God when I was diagnosed. I CANNOT imagine going through that or my Dad's death without God in my life. I cannot imagine buying a house, car, a boat without God. I cannot imagine raising kids without God. I cannot imagine watching your parents age without God. I cannot imagine being (staying) married without God. I cannot imagine telling Sarah (my daughter in Porltand) bye without God in my life! I cannot imagine telling Ivey bye each time I see her without God in my life. I cannot imagine bidding farewell to my husband each day as he leaves for work without God in my life. I cannot imagine turning the light out at night to go to bed without God in my life. I need him!

The more we study and spend time with God the more prepared we will be when the other shoe drops. John 16:33 saying, “…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” The reason we are told to "take heart" is because we have encouragement. Get into the Word of God now. Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” The Bible tells us this in Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them from them all.” In this world we will have trouble, but in the end, we will have victory through Christ.

You simply can’t face life each day without feeding, nourishing, and equipping yourself with the Word of God. If you know scripture then you will have the upper hand. The Word of God is so strong that it can transform people from dark to light, it can bring them to the truth, it can enlighten those who have been deceived. It can lead one out of temptation or through a trial. Scripture has power!

If you are in a trial or battle you must stay focused on God. Pray for guidance. Pray for wisdom. Pray for God's grace to be seen as you face difficulties. Pray for others who are going through tough times and battles. And go ahead and thank God for victory! If you use God's tools to fight with, God will give you victory. I heard a quote that your greatest joys will come from the greatest victories enjoyed after your greatest battles. I have to agree!

Are you prepared for the other shoe to drop?