When I was a young woman, I went on my first and last scuba diving adventure. We were going to a lake that was supposed to have beautiful, clear water. I was excited because I envisioned amazing, colorful fish swimming all around me as I enjoyed my first underwater experience. You need to understand that I was no swimming expert, so being in deep water made me slightly uncomfortable. Nevertheless, I was ready to try something new.
Breathing Underwater Is Not Natural
The person I was with helped me get the scuba equipment on correctly and gave me some instruction. It was time to see some breathtaking scenery! Once we were underwater, I was immediately gripped with fear. The water wasn’t clear and beautiful; it was a dark, muddy brown, and I couldn’t see anything around me but murky water. I was overcome with claustrophobia and felt like my lungs locked up. Breathing underwater is not natural! At that moment, I knew I needed to get to the surface for some air. In a fit of panic, I grabbed my regulator, the mouthpiece that was providing my air supply, took it out of my mouth, and threw it. Even though it was still attached to the oxygen tank, I was way too panicked to think clearly and put it back in my mouth. I began to frantically flail about in the water, so my partner got underneath me and shoved me upward until I reached the surface. When we got to the top, he looked at me and said in an exasperated voice, “Why in the world would you throw away your air supply?” When my circumstances weren’t what I expected, and things around me became dark, I panicked and threw away the one thing I needed most-my lifeline.
We Live In A Fallen World
God has reminded me of that situation many times in my walk with Him. Here’s the deal. Things in your life will go wrong. Unexpected circumstances will arise at the most inconvenient moments. No one on Earth can completely escape trouble because we live in a fallen world. Adam and Eve opened the door to evil by disobeying God and listening to the devil. Jesus told us we would have trouble, but He also gave Himself as our lifeline. Jesus said in John 16:33(NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on Earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus was warning His disciples that difficult times were ahead, but they could have peace and overcome because of their faith in Him. Our peace and our hope come because of our relationship with Jesus. He is our lifeline. Don’t let go of Him or throw away your relationship with Him when you sin.
A Rich And Satisfying Life
We will all miss the mark in this life, but He is right there waiting for us to grab ahold of Him so that He can lead us to victory. When pain or trouble come, let Jesus be your comforter. Jesus plainly tells us in John 10:10 who brings trouble and who brings life. “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Too often, people blame God for the devil’s works. At times, we make choices without praying first or seeking God, and then have the nerve to blame Him when things go wrong. That is foolish! It is very simple to me. If something in my life is stolen, killed, or destroyed, I know it wasn’t God’s doing. He is the life giver. According to Jesus, my life can still be rich and satisfying even in the midst of trouble because He is walking with me. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:2-3 NLT). According to 2 Timothy 2: 13, He is faithful when we are unfaithful. Nothing can stop His love for us. Grab ahold of the One who gave His life for you and don’t let go of Him. He is the lifeline you are seeking.
One Step
If you tend to turn away from God and blame Him for your troubles, I would ask you to read and reread the Scriptures above. Go over and over them until you begin to understand that He is for you, not against you. Don’t run from Him, run to Him in every circumstance-good and bad. He is your eternal lifeline.
Prayer
Father, I thank you that you are for me and not against me. I ask you to remind me to run to You instead of blaming You when I go through difficult times. You are my hope and my help. Thank you for being with me and walking with me to victory.
In Jesus’s name,
Amen