Lessons from the Beach

          We recently returned from the beach.  It was a refreshing time of relaxing, soaking up the sun, spending time with my hubby, the Lord and creating some wonderful memories.

          Both of us love the ocean.  We looked forward to getting in daily to “ride the waves” or experience the calm swells.

          This trip the ocean was more active than ever.  Hurricane Lee was off to our east approximately 300 miles away.  Even with that hurricane in close proximity, there were times the ocean was calm.  But there were other times, it was turbulent and churning.  Friday (our last day), Norman and I got in that beautiful water for the last time.  I stopped abruptly when the waves were crashing at my ankles.  Why?  Because I could feel that undertow.  The rip current was the strongest I’d ever felt!!!  I grew up going to Ormond Beach so I’m very familiar with the Atlantic Ocean, at least in this particular section.  Even if I hadn’t known there was a hurricane further out, I would’ve been able to tell that something unusual was going on.  My risk-taker hubby kept going.  He was almost to waist-high water when a wave took him out.  Even in that shallow water, Norman couldn’t withstand the power.  I watched as he managed to stand up and was just getting his composure and wiping the salt water from his eyes when another wave slammed into the back of him.  I tried to wave my arms and scream to get his attention; I tried to call his name and warn him, but it was no use.  The wave SLAMMED him to the ocean floor.  His face and neck hit hard, and then his body kept going.  It’s a miracle that he didn’t break his neck.  Seriously. I knew immediately that he was hurt.  As I tried to get over to him, I noticed his forehead was bleeding!  Never had either of us experienced such an occurrence, just from frolicking in the ocean!  Needless to say, we didn’t stay in the ocean.  Even as we examined his head/injuries, both of us struggled to stand up in calf-high water.  The intense crashing of the waves was much more powerful than the strength of our legs and body could withstand.

          As I emerged from the ocean first, a couple sitting in chairs engaged me in conversation.  I told them that I’d grown up swimming and playing in these waters, but I’d never felt anything so intense!!  It was scary and intimidating.  They both indicated that it was obvious the waters were “churning”.  Apparently, they had witnessed others get out quickly or have similar experiences to us.

          Why do I share such a silly story?

          Friend, every person I know is going through some type of “storm”.  The powerful waves may be chronic illness, cancer, family relations, a wayward child, drug/alcohol dependence, caring for a loved one, recovering from surgery, financial pressures, business woes…and the list goes on. In some cases, the storm may be mild, but yet others may be fighting intense and turbulent waves.  I’m thinking of specific people even as I write and the “storms” they are experiencing or have just recovered from.

          What will you do in the midst of your storm?  As the waves come crashing towards you, God loves you enough to give you a choice.

          You don’t have to fight the violent waves and the storm alone.  If you’re His child (and know Him because you’ve asked Jesus to be your Savior and forgive you of your sins), then you can cry out to Him and ask that He hold your hand and help you not be afraid (Isaiah 41:10). Knowing Him doesn’t mean He will take you out of the storm or even soften the intensity of the waves. But you can certainly ask that; He’s a patient, merciful and loving God.  Even if He chooses to keep you in the turbulent waters, you can depend on Him.  He is a trustworthy God.  How do I know?  He who didn’t spare His own Son, but gave Him up as a sacrifice and substitute for you and me (Romans 8:32), that kind of Supreme Being can be trusted

 You can look to the Sovereign God of the Universe to be your refuge and strength during trouble (Psalm 46:1-3)…trusting that He will use this storm to mature and grow your faith (James 1:2-4 and I Peter 1:7). If you’re a child of God and know Jesus as your Savior, then storms are part of the journey.  Jesus told us to expect them (James 1:12 and Roman 5:3-5).  God will use these intense waves and difficulties to chip away at your character and mine; He will use each storm to mold our hearts and attitudes to make us more like Jesus.  Riding these storms out while trusting Jesus is part of a believer’s journey.  It’s a given.  But the blessing in the midst of the turbulent waters is knowing you’re not having to endure the storm alone.  He is right there with you, calming you when you’re afraid, giving you peace when anxiety hits, undergirding you with His strength and power when yours is tapped out, and you’re thoroughly exhausted. Just knowing His presence is with you is such a comfort, strength and blessing.

          Or

          You can fight the raging waves and violent storm on your own. You can say to yourself and tell Him, “I’ve got this.  I don’t need you.”  He will allow you to have that prerogative.   When you do, you will most likely end up like Norman.   Face planted.  Scars to show what you’ve experienced. And not in a good way.

          Now, in both cases, injuries may occur.  Hard times may be part of the situation.  And scars may be left behind.  So, I guess the questions remain.

          Do you want to go through the violent storm on your own? 

          Are you strong enough to handle anything life throws at you?  I don’t know a single soul who is.

          Do you want your life to count and live it for God or do you want to do live life on your own terms with nothing to show in the end?

          Have you learned from the past when you didn’t rely on Him?  Didn’t you make a mess of things, trying to figure it out on your own? 

          He gives you and I a choice each day.  Will you spend time with Me?  Will you be still and listen?  Will you cry out for Me and be desperate as a deer who longs and pants for water (Psalm 42:1)?  

          Especially during the raging storms of life, will you cling to Him like never before?  It’s what He WANTS us to do. 

          The choice is yours and mine. 

          Think about “storms” in your past.  Have you emerged from them with scars that have drawn you closer to Him, learning more of who this God of the Universe is? 

          Or                         

          Have you wasted the pain and it’s just an empty memory or scar?