Lifeguard

"The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea." Psalm 93:4

My friend and I had been contemplating taking a ride on the Aqua-Cycles (a big wheeled water tricycle) that the condo offered for their guests. I had been eyeing them every year we were at the beach but was never brave enough to be incharge of maneuvering this contraption on my own until my friend and I were approached by the two lifeguards on duty.

They assured us of how safe they were and that they would take us out on their lunch break free of charge. They knew how to handle these water crafts and no harm would be done. I was intently leary but finally decided to take the plunge (literary).

Climbing up into the seat was a feat on its own. You're much higher above the water than I thought possible so I held on for dear life. We made our way passed the shallow waves and into the open smooth waters. The nice young man in charge of my ride dove down into the deep blue and brought up the biggest, most beautiful sand dollars I had ever seen. By the time we were making our way back I had a collection at my feet. I had such a nice time I couldn't help but wonder why I hadn't done this years ago.

As we made our way back to the shallow waters and stiff waves the guy directing my bike decided to jump on the back into the water to help navigate it safely to shore. But what he didn't predict was the strength of a mighty wave taking hold of the front wheel and flipping it over on its top, pinning me underneath it and the water. I had never experienced such a jolt to my body as I made contact with the ocean floor.

As the waves continued to pound and the bicycle burying me further under its control, I saw my life flash before me. I know the guy was fighting with all he had to pick this beast up off of me, but every time I was able to get my face out of the water for a breath another wave would hit and cause me to be flattened and under water I would go. It was a fight I was not able to muscle through. I was helpless as wave after wave hit me, sinking me under with each blow.

Our God is powerful. I often forget that while He is compassionate and loving and kind, He is also fierce and strong and mighty. I can depend on His strength to handle the difficult storms in my life. While I might feel engulfed by the waves and the 'bicycles' of life, He steps in and rescues me from the cascading endless waves. He not only saves me from the trouble, but He controls the water that tries to drown me. The winds and waves and waters are at His beckon call.

Our Lord will handle the storms of your life and He will take care of you. We can trust our future to our mighty God. He is capable and willing to walk with you, pick you up and even carry you through whatever it is you might be facing. He is your Rescuer.

I love you & He loves you more!

P.S. I made it out alive with only a few bumps and bruises.

P.P.S. None of the beautiful sand dollars made it back to shore in one piece.

Lord, Help me trust You to navigate the waves that might come in my life. When times are overwhelming and situations seem like they are overtaking me, help me to remember that You are mighty, and the waters will not consume me. In Jesus' name. Amen.