Leonard's Enroute

Cold Water


"Cold, cold water Surrounds me now
And all I've got is your hand
Lord, can you hear me now?"

- Damien Rice


Sometimes I find myself in situations that are just beyond my control. Where I find my security, my sense of balance and my self worth rocking helplessly on the merciless waves of circumstance, blown off by winds of criticisms and pressed down by rains of discouragement. They threaten to take me, knock me off my feet and drench me till I get so heavy I just don't want to fight anymore. "Let the waves take me and swept my soul out to sea or sink me to the darkest depths."

Ever felt this way?


I was in the prayer room this morning, praying for my life. Last week had been a week like that. If you ask me for a reason, I can't tell you, I can't really pinpoint one. Sometimes, its just a whole lot of things coming at you and you just feel overwhelmed. A friend of mine, Annjoo used to call these times, 'Piranha Moments.'

Apt.

I think we all have times like that. A phone call comes with news that shatter our world. A slow build up of negative criticism that like a cancer that eats at you. A disappointment. A rejection. A death. A lost. Somestimes, its all the above.

All these thoughts ran through my mind today as I was reflecting on the story of Jesus calming the storm. Basically, the disciples under the direction of Jesus set off for short boat trip to the other side of the sea.

(Ever thought you heard from God about doing something and when you do, you got into whole lot of trouble? And you are like, "God told me to do this?? This is suppose to be easy!" Righttt.)

Midway, they ran into a storm and were in grave danger of sinking. Jesus, of course, being the Prince of Peace and all that was....asleep. I kinda understand how that feels, try conducting a retreat for 500 people the whole day and see if you don't sleep through an earthquake.

So anyway, the disciples freaked out, woke the Master from his slumber and got scolded. "hmmm..The faith is weak in you, I sense". He then proceeded to off the storm like it was the most normal thing to do. Like pulling a plug.

Peter: So what did you do today? Anything interesting?

Jesus: oh, nothing much. Calm a storm or two.

Peter: slow day huh?

Jesus: the usual.

So as I was thinking about this story and my week that had just passed, I realised that the truth of the matter is that even in the midst of my storm, I am not really alone. The One who calms the waves, tames the winds and shut out the rain is in the same boat with me.

He could, I realised, at anytime stop everything with a thought, a wink or a whisper. We maybe in a situation that is beyond our control but its certainly isn't the case with Jesus. He is in control and the fact is that we may be exactly where He wants us.

Sometimes God calms the storm. Other times, He let the storm rage and calms the child.

Perhaps you are in a difficult or painful situation that you wish could just go away. Perhaps you think that God is putting you through some test and is looking from the front of the class with a red pen in His hands, waiting to see if you pass or fail.

Frankly, I don't think thats entirely true. ( see the Lord's Prayer line 8, "do not bring us to the test.') I believe that God uses those difficult situations in our lives as opportunities to prove His Faithfulness and is working with us, showing us how to trust Him and to overcome them.

I came across this quote which help me a great deal in putting things in perspective:

"All Things work out in the end. If it hasn't. Its not yet the end."

Scripture says that 'all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.' So I believe that everything I go through has a good purpose to it, I may not understand it now but someday I will look back on this time and say, "I'm glad it happened."

So if you are in a difficult time now, don't lose hope, God is in control. Good will come out of it. Hang on, trust in Jesus - the storm will soon pass. And when it does, you may find yourself stronger than when you were on familiar shores.

And perhaps even a whole lot bigger on the inside.


Oh Wait, I think I see land.

Leonard