But what if we view adversity with new eyes? Rather than responding with that lead-weight-in-the-pit of-our-stomach, palpitating-panic-in-our-chest or tear-producing-lump-in-our-throat, we
stop,
breathe
and embrace the roller coaster ride of faith.
Oswald Chambers puts it like this from his March 7th My Utmost For His Highest
devotional:
"The surf (6ft waves towering over your small self) that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider (1930's term for surfer-dude) the
Super - joy
of going clean through it. |
| Photo credit - commons.wikipedia.com - Santa Cruz |
Apply that to our own circumstances, these very things, tribulations, distress, persecution, (problems, flat tires, job losses, family illness, car accidents, stress, calls from your child's school, fevers in the night) produce in us the
Super-joy;
they are not things to fight.
We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them. The saint (Believer) never knows the JOY of the Lord in spite of tribulation (turbulent times), but because of it--- 'I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation,' says Paul.
Undaunted radiance is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can alter. The experiences of life, terrible or monotonous are impotent to touch the love of God, through Jesus." ~ Oswald Chambers
So, bring on the giant swells. Welcome the wall of water.
 |
| waterfalls.nias.jpg |
Surf's up, baby.
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