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Listen while you read: "Come Let Us Sing Of A Wonderful Love"1 (Lyrics) |
I wasn't excited about going, so I held onto the pool's side. That's where I made my mistake.
I was nine and couldn't swim. No one in my family could — not dad nor mom nor any of my grandparents. Since I came from a swim-less family, learning how wasn't on my list of things to accomplish.
Then I visited a friend's swimming pool and boarded an inner tube. They wanted to drift into the deep end; I didn't. As I hung on and they kept moving, I slipped into the water and headed toward the bottom. I remember thinking; "This is it. I'm gonna die at nine." And I probably would have, had my friend not rescued me.
I still don't know how to swim, and since I'm halfway through my life, I'm not likely to learn. I'm still not fond of deep water. Water above my knees makes me nervous.
Luke 5:4 – When he [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." (NIV)
Peter wasn't crazy about deep water either. As an experienced fisherman, he knew fish are more likely caught in shallow water than cool, unpredictable, deep water. He met Jesus' instructions with reluctance:
Luke 5:5 – Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." (NIV)
Jesus didn't simply want Peter to take another tiring, fruitless adventure. This trip was different than his all-nighter; it was a faith trip. When he obeyed, his nets filled with so many fish that he had to call his partners for help hauling them in.
Deep waters are tough, for there, God pushes us to greater faith and trust. Out-of-control spending is reeled in. Unhealthy relationships are thrown back. Hooks are baited with wise decisions and prayed-over plans. And lines are sturdied with belief in futures controlled by God.
Let us trust God for the deep-water excursions. He'll never lead where He hasn't prepared — and deep waters are never shallow experiences.
Prayer: Father, we trust You to lead us into the deep waters where our faith is forged and Your name is honoured. Amen.
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Thank you for the insight of deep waters.
Thanks for your message. I can only say Amen’. Amen.
You a are right, Martin. “Deep waters” are never shallow experiences!
Well said!
Thank you for a very well written, inspiring message.
With Blessings and Best Wishes,
Well said, Martin. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and for the faith lesson that you’ve shared. Blessings.
Thank you Martin! I was very encouraged by your message of faith. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.
Blessings.
I learned how to keep myself above water at 50. I cannot say I am a good swimmer. I took the class for any age of scary cats 16 of us all 50 and up.
Some became quite good.
Hi Martin,
I enjoyed your devotional and after years of being a swimmer I am on your side now. A shoulder replacement has mad it impossible for me to do anything else but dog paddle. But, your problem with swimming afforded your readers some challenging thought.
Blessings.
Dear Martin: I can understand your dislike of water!
When I was very young I was at a lake with my parents who were very protective!
I slipped off a rock and my father pulled me out by the straps on my bathing suit!
As I got older I was determined to take swimming lessons and conquer this fear and I did.
Now I love the water especially in Florida! Where it is Warm.
Blessings on you and yours.
Hello Martin:
I think your meditation is beautiful.
As my trust in men, including husband, father and brothers, has been damaged, I find it difficult to trust anyone, even God. Even when things are going well, there’s always a little corner of defense or reluctance to have faith in the good things that are happening.
I recently had a cancer scare. The doctor was telling me how fortunate I was having had a wake-up call rather than a negative diagnosis. Still, I’m afraid that I won’t be able to do what’s necessary to stay healthy. I’m very blessed with friends, some family and many personal gifts that others would be happy to have. I just need to find the trust in the idea that God will see me through. Your meditation reminding us about the importance of trust comes at a very good time for me. Thanks for writing it.
God bless you.
Dear Martin Wiles,
Thank you for a super-fine Biblical, inspirational devotional. The Lord has held us up physically in rescue from the waters of pools, and spiritually with Jesus’ salvation in the waters of life.
I was rescued when a small child, not more than three years of age. In our grandparents’ farm dugout — my first experience with a “pool”. I stepped down the steep muddy decline, and felt the water going over my head. My father reached down and grabbed me out.
I’m thankful for the rescue.
My father swam, but my mother never learned to. She sat on the little dirt banks and counted heads, while my father went into the water with us.
We children all learned to swim.
I pray that God will keep blessing you in all ways — including further ideas for devotionals.
Martin – your devotional had so much meaning; especially, the part where you said, “Deep waters are tough, for there, God pushes us to greater faith and trust.” I have found this statement to be true. God bless you and your writing; you get better all the time.
(California, USA)
Hi Martin, Since I love fishing I’m glad I can swim, but I always wear a life jacket all the same. This thought came to me when you spoke of obeying and going out into the deep water, even if you are afraid. That’s when we can liken the jacket to the Lord as He will always hold us from going under when we are in the deep water of his guidance.
Good day Mr. Wiles I haven’t read 1 of your devotion to which I so look forward too.
I too can’t swim farless float and where I live they have beautiful beaches but I don’t go at all. However reading the devotion put a lot more understanding in my life that God is always with us if we hold on to our Faith and beliefs. Have a Bless day and please continue to send your inspirational devotion. God Bless.
(Trinidad)