“Help,” shouted three men frantically waving to the passing boat. Seeing the stranded men, the captain steered towards the island, but treacherous rip currents prevented him from reaching them. Anchoring nearby he shouted, “Trust me. If you follow my instructions, I’ll pull you through the rip currents to safety.”
Throwing a life ring onto the island he instructed, “Just put this on and hold tight no matter how rough things get.”
Man #1
Man #1 immediately snatched it running towards the water. Wearing the life ring kept his head above water enabling him to ride in peace through the rough rip currents. Upon reaching the captain he readily grabbed his extended hand and was pulled safely into the boat.
Man #2
Once again, the captain threw the life ring onto the island. Man #2 hesitantly picked it up. Looking at the rip currents he let go. “I can’t do it. I’ll drown.” Gently the captain encouraged, “All you have to do is hold on. I’ll pull you through.” After a few moments, man #2 picked the ring back up. Rather than putting it on, he held it with both hands slowly walking toward the water.
Tossed about by the rip currents, he gagged on the salty sea gasping for air as waves repeatedly crashed over him.
Reaching the captain, he took his outstretched hand and was pulled safely out of the water.
Man #3
The captain tossed the life ring to man #3, but it remained on the beach. Too scared to move he refused to grab the ring choosing to remain stranded.
PROBLEMS ARE LIKE RIP CURRENTS.
Our problems can seem treacherous like the rip currents surrounding the three stranded men. They make us feel overwhelmed, afraid, with no way to escape. When that happens, what do we do?
Do We React Like Man #1, #2 Or #3?
MAN #1
REACTION? COMPLETE FAITH!
Man #1 trusted the captain completely. Acting in faith, he put the life ring on and stepped into the rough waters despite his fears.
When problems overwhelm us, it takes faith to look to Jesus and follow His instructions. Faith doesn’t mean we will have no fear or trepidation. It means we trust Jesus despite our fears.
MAN #2
REACTION? PARTIAL FAITH!
Man #2 was hesitant, wasn’t he? Voicing his fears, he reluctantly held the life ring, rather than following the captain’s instructions to put it on. Although he made it through the rip currents, waves crashed over him resulting in a rough, fear filled ride.
Stepping out in faith can be scary. When problems arise, we may hesitate to fully follow Jesus’ instruction. Then like man #2, we get through our problems, but fear comes along creating a rough ride.
MAN # 3
REACTION? FEAR!
Just like man #3 could not be forced to take the life ring, Jesus will not force us to follow Him. Jesus wants to rescue us. However, the choice is ours. Man #3 chose fear over faith leaving him stranded.
HOW DID MAN #1 ESCAPE PEACEFULLY?
The same way we escape.
1. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
All three men were anxious. However, for a peaceful escape they needed to fully follow the captain’s instructions, just as man #1 did.
Notice that he did not bypass the rip currents.
When we are surrounded by problems threatening to overwhelm us, we may not bypass our problems either. However, by giving our problems to Jesus in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, we can peacefully rise above them as He guides us through anything we face.
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
2. PUT ON THE LIFE RING!
Jesus is our life ring. When we have faith in Him, His loving arms surround us like a life ring preserving our lives eternally. With a faith committed to following His instructions, we have peace even when we encounter treacherous waters.
“These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world,”
John 16:33
IN FAITH LET’S
FOLLOW JESUS INSTRUCTIONS
WEARING HIS LIFE RING
The more we have faith in Him, the more likely we will see the impossible.
REFLECTION
When problems arise, do you react like man #1, #2 or #3?
PRAYER –
For each problem pray:
Heavenly Father, as I write Philippians 4:6-7 and say it aloud, I give you (name your problem). Strengthen my faith, overcome my fears, help me to forgive and show me how to resolve it. By faith I thank you for resolving (name your problem). In Jesus name. Amen.
HAVE FAITH IN JESUS, OUR LIFE RING
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
Photo horse, Xavier Mclaren
Photo life ring, Jametlene
