Today was spent cheering on the athletes participating in the CPC’s Tri-4-Life. Between the swimmers, bikers, runners, toddler dashers, and cheerleaders, Fannin Landing was buzzing with activity early this morning. I was a cheerleader, just in case you might be wondering. However, I was inspired to consider riding a bicycle. I’m just not sure how I would look in a biker’s helmet and if I could even find one to fit on top of all my hair. Perhaps I’ll stick to clapping my hands and encouraging those who can pull off the helmet look.
Little Mylee looked perfectly adorable sporting her Toddler Dash t-shirt and her big yellow hair bow. She had so much fun! After the Dash was over she just kept right on dashing, again and again, all by herself. She earned herself a gold medal, a goodie bag, and a chocolate brownie from the bake sale. It was a great day and a great event for a great ministry!
As the swimmers were lined up to dive in the reservoir, I noticed a bright yellow sign standing in the rocks by the water. Written on it was a portion of this scripture, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned; the flames will not consume you,” Isaiah 43:2. This verse doesn’t say, “If you...”, it says, “When you...” I heard so many of the athletes comment today that they were not worried about the biking or the running, but the swimming...they were concerned about passing through the water. Even though there was concern, 188 courageous people jumped into those waters head first.
I’ll be honest, I don’t want to go through any deep water. I want to keep my feet firmly planted on the bottom and my nose breathing fresh air. Preferably at the same time. But that’s not what God promises us. He promises that he’ll be with us WHEN we’re in over our heads. I personally find this to be true. Most days I feel like I’m in over my head and every time He comes to rescue me. He doesn’t just throw out a life preserver, He IS the life preserver! Hallelujah!
Every time fear wells up inside of me, here He comes. Every time I don’t know what I should say or do, here He comes. Every time I am tempted, here He comes. Every time I cry out for wisdom, here He comes. Every time I feel anger or hate or bitterness, here He comes. Again and again and again He rescues me. And every time He does I am so grateful for His mercy and His love and His power to save a wretch like me.
I pray that next time I want to turn around and run from the deep water, I will remember His promise and I will raise my hands above my head and dive right in.
