Saturday, August 18, 2007

LET US GO OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE

This is another devotional taken from THE WORD FOR TODAY


Keep strokin' !!

Sometimes you only learn to swim by getting thrown into the deep end. When that happens you discover that (a) if you let it, your fear will take you under, (b) you can only tread water for so long, (c) when you get to a certain point there's no turning back, you have to keep going. It's fatal to stop or give up in the middle of the process, (d) what God has put within you (the air in your lungs) will sustain you and keep you afloat if only you learn to relax, trust God, and keep strokin' !


"Let us pass over to the other side."


Mark 4:35b KJV


If you're really serious about getting to the other side - you've got to take what's in front of you and keep pushing it behind you. In other words, keep strokin' ! You might be crying while you're swimming, but keep strokin'. Your heart may be about to come out of your chest, but keep strokin'. It's when you feel backed into a corner with nowhere to go, that you've to reach down, take hold of what God put within you, and keep strokin'. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force" (Mt. 11:12). Notice the word "violence" - sometimes you have to rise up in faith and fight your way through, confident that God is on your side. The waters you're in don't determine your destiny; they can either carry you over or take you under. Your faith has got to rise up and fight your fear. If you quit, God can do nothing more for you. So whether you're doing the breaststroke, the backstroke, or some other kind of stroke nobody's even heard of - keep strokin' !


These words blessed and sustained us this very difficult week. I trust they will help you.


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16 comments:

  1. AnonymousAugust 18, 2007 at 6:30 PM

    "Your faith has got to rise up and fight your fear. If you quit, God can do nothing more for you."

    Sometimes I sure feel like quitting, but what a comfort to know that his strength is perfect when my strength is gone. He continues to carry me.

    My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.
    I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.

    On Christ the solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!

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  2. AnnieAugust 18, 2007 at 9:47 PM

    So true. Fear is just the devil trying to convince you of his lies.
    Great post Susan!
    hugs to you!

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  3. Danny WrightAugust 19, 2007 at 9:38 AM

    Susan, this reminds me of the movie Facing the Giants". Have you watced it? It was made by a church near Atlanta, and this post reminds me of it, given your admonishion to press on. It is a very insperational movie as is this post. BTW I can't get your blog to come up most of the time. It might be on my side because there are a few others that are doing the same thing. Anyway, blessings, Danny

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  4. Pen of JenAugust 19, 2007 at 10:24 AM

    Susan I just emailed you. I am so glad to read this post.It is so important to do so.
    I am praying for you.
    Jennifer

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  5. inspiredAugust 19, 2007 at 11:40 AM

    yes fear is a weapon of the evil one.
    When Adam and Eve sinned, what did they do? they hid from God because ? they were Afraid!!!
    The Lord Bless ;o]

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  6. rethaAugust 19, 2007 at 12:16 PM

    You have encouraged me today , to keep on keeping on. Although it seems all is in vain.

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  7. Momma RoarAugust 19, 2007 at 3:21 PM

    What a terrific post - learn to relax and trust God - AMEN

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  8. candyAugust 19, 2007 at 5:58 PM

    Excellent Post!!
    Love and hugs,
    Candy

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  9. AmydeanneAugust 19, 2007 at 8:03 PM

    this is great. I love it! it came at a good time for me!
    (I'm praying for your granddaughter!)

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  10. jodiAugust 19, 2007 at 8:20 PM

    Thanks for this post. I am also keeping you in prayers. Thanks for the comment you left on my blog.

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  11. Beach GirlAugust 19, 2007 at 9:32 PM

    Hatteras Hello!

    Thank you for a beautiful post.

    I posted at Yahweh's Retreat today and wanted to stop in for a visit.

    Vanessa

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  12. CrystalAugust 20, 2007 at 11:52 AM

    Thank you for sharing this reflection, Susan.

    I just caught up on reading your posts this morning and am thinking of you and your granddaughter's move. I pray that there will peace for all of you and you will still be a big part of her life. This is a difficult age for kids, especially moving to a new school. ((( HUGS )))

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  13. BarbaraAugust 20, 2007 at 2:16 PM

    Amen as always to your beautiful posts. Never a truer word.

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  14. AnonymousAugust 21, 2007 at 12:27 AM

    Susan thank you for this post... yes, we have to remember where the fear comes from, and have faith and keep on swimming!! You are in my prayers, and thank you for your comment tonight, I needed it!!!!

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  15. Rita LocaAugust 21, 2007 at 8:25 AM

    I linked to you in my post this morning!

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  16. Nesting For NatalieAugust 21, 2007 at 9:27 PM

    Susan,

    Finally I have time to catch up. I have read through your posts and see your dear grand daughter is living with her mom. You have all been in my prayers. Your grand daughter and son are prayed for when ever they come to mind. And you know in Bloggityville, we remember those whom we have "met" here!!

    Graet post today! Thank you!

    amy

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Thank you so much with honoring me with your presence and your comments. Both are precious to me.
Susan