Have you ever felt like you were sinking in the midst of a life storm?

When my husband and I found out, 30 weeks into my first pregnancy, that our baby was suddenly and inexplicably very sick, I knew God was still in control. When Faith was born two weeks later and the doctor’s face revealed the answer before he even spoke the words, I knew God was still with me.

But that didn’t change the fact that losing our daughter was the most painful experience I have ever faced.

In those first days, weeks and months after Faith died the sorrow was like the cold water of a lake, always under the surface, and I was sinking into the deep.

That sorrow has faded for me now, replaced by a settled longing I will carry with me until I meet her again in Heaven someday. But there are new trials to face, as there always will be.

For me and for all of us, as long as we are in this world.

And when it comes to the stormy waters I encounter in my life, I feel kind of like Peter in Matthew 14:28-31.

“Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?'”

It’s not the step out of the boat that I struggle with, it’s the fear of sinking once I’m walking on the water.

I know and trust who He is when I step into the water, but when I focus on the waves of whatever trial I am facing, I lose sight of Him. And yet He’s right there, reaching out His hand in the midst of the storm.

Having faith in God doesn’t mean that we will be spared the struggles and sorrows of this world, but we can know that He is with us through it all.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

Struggles and disappointments, unanswered questions and unfulfilled hopes… whatever the trial may be, I believe we all have moments when we feel like we’re sinking.

When you find yourself sinking into the deep, know that He is there. Look away from the waves and into His eyes. Listen to His voice in the midst of the wind. Grab hold of His outstretched hand.

Know that the one who has overcome the world is there with you, and He will keep you from sinking. He will pull you up, out of the deep and into His arms.

 

I enjoyed linking up today with Live Free Thursday!