When I was a little boy, my aunt and uncle took me to Lake Michigan.
While some of my cousins ventured far out into the waves, I played close to
shore. Then my Uncle Norm asked me, “Can you swim?” “No,” I admitted. “Don’t
worry,” he said. “I’ll take you out there.” “But it’s too deep,” I protested.
“Just hang on to me,” he assured me. “Do you trust me?” Then I took his hand
and we began to walk farther out into the lake.
When my feet couldn’t touch the bottom anymore, Uncle Norm held me up
and reassured me, “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.” Then finally he said, “Okay,
let your feet down. You can stand here.” I was afraid because I thought we were
still in deep water, but I trusted him and happily discovered that I was
standing on a sandbar.
Have you ever been in so much despair that you felt as if you were
sinking in deep water? The difficulties of life can be oppressive. God doesn’t
promise that we will escape the turbulent seas of life, but He does promise, “I
will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
We can trust our faithful God to be there in all of our struggles. “When
you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they
shall not overflow you” (Isa. 43:2).
Before your burden overcomes you, trust God to put His arms underneath you. (RBC)
