Craig Clouston

 Open Waters

January 24

Fear not, for I have redeemed you … When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

Isaiah 43:1, 2

He had never known real fear. He hadn’t realized this kind of fear even existed before today. Sure, he’d been scared, but never anything like this. Surfacing after jumping off the pier, Phil was facing open waters; he had an unobstructed view of Lake Erie through his diving mask. All he could see was the vast expanse of water, and he was instantly paralyzed; he couldn’t breathe! 

To say he was afraid would have been a tremendous understatement. Then his training and experience kicked in; survival mode took over. Perplexed and still unable to draw a breath, he turned, and in a state he would later describe as controlled panic, swam back to the dock and climbed up the ladder. Finally able to draw a breath, he emerged from what had felt like a death trap.

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With an understanding that God has redeemed us by our act of repentance and turning to Jesus, the promise from Isaiah applies to each of us. As with literal open waters, spiritual waters hold danger. Phil was an experienced swimmer and lifeguard, yet he wasn’t ready for the shock he received when the only thing his eyes could see was open water. 

Left completely unprepared, it could have meant death. His training had been enough to save his life. It is imperative that we understand the dangers we face ahead of time; there are predators in those spiritual waters seeking our spiritual death. We may not know in what form they will come, but by preparing ourselves with biblical wisdom, the training needed for survival, we will be better able to recognize and fend off the attacks when they do come.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, please show me where I lack wisdom. Teach me Your ways as I open the Word so that I might be able to stand against the enemy when he comes. Train me so that I may also help others stand against the enemy. Thank You for Your presence when I pass through the waters of life. Amen.”