I Want It AllSample

Awaken

The powerful presence of God is poignant when we face intimidating circumstances. In Isaiah 43 the Lord spoke to His chosen ones, the Israelites, of His commitment to be their rescue. 'But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead." (Isaiah 43:1-3).

We tremble. God says, “Do not fear.”

We wander. Grace calls out to us by name.

We wane in the heat of firestorms. Love shields us from the flames.

We struggle in the streams and are swayed by the currents. God reaches for shaky hands, grips with comfort, and assures us that we are not alone.

He holds on tight and keeps our heads above the water.

I know this in my heart. I know this is true. I know His presence is real and His rescues are promised, but when the waves keep crashing on the shore one after another I find myself exhausted from the strain . . . and I wonder if God might have taken a day off. Like, maybe He went to Cabo and is sipping an umbrella drink on a beach resort somewhere. It’s not like He doesn’t deserve a break, you know! He does so much for so many.

But, NO! I know better.

God doesn’t even take naps. Only my faith does.

Wake up, sleepy soul. Wake up!

In order for you and me to experience the rescuing power of God that meets us in the middle of the hurricanes, in the middle of the cancer treatments, the eating disorders, the hard conversations with hardened hearts, the joblessness, the broken relationships, and the doubts that seek to drown us, our hands must raise in surrender to the things He allows. And our eyes must constantly search for His.

If I want all the power God has for me, I have to want all the depth . . . all the growth . . . .all the profundity that comes from knowing Jesus. I need to want maturity and intimacy with Him more than I want comfort. And when God calls me out into the deep waters of a trial, I want to be a woman who doesn’t run for the shallows, but instead one who determines that her faith will stand. No matter what.