Have you ever watched an Olympic swimmer? Stroke after powerful stroke propelling him through the water. He takes what’s in front of him and pushes it behind him. Each stroke moves him closer to his goal — touching that finish wall/line. That swimmer literally takes the obstacle (the water) that is keeping him from achieving his goal and actually uses it to get there.
You may be thinking: great point, Lew, but I’m just trying to keep my head above water. Getting to the finish line is the last thing I’m thinking about. Welllllllllll… if all you can do right now is keep your head above water, then just keep treading water! It’s times like these that I learned in my life that you really have to rely on God. Cuz… I was in no position to keep myself from sinking.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 3:14. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize…” The part of that verse that motivates me is where it says to “press on.” Press is short for “pressure.” That means that there is a force that is somehow blocking me from achieving my goal. Rather than giving up, I give in!!! I admit that I can’t do it on my own and submit to God and ask Him to help me to overcome this obstacle. He may not get me OUT of it (right away!–it’s called “God’s Timing!) but He will certainly get me THROUGH it.
When things get roughest, that’s when Jesus will carry you. IF… you let Him! My pride and stubbornness have too often gotten me where I am just “treading water” or I find myself backed into a corner with, seemingly, no way out. Maybe if I’d turned it over to God’s Holy Spirit earlier, I wouldn’t have found myself in the mess I was in! But… I’m learning. How about YOU??!!!
