If things, for the most part, always went well, according to plan, just the way we want them to go, how would we learn how to deal with the unexpected? How does someone build character if their character is never tested? On whom could we count every time, all the time, and 100% of the time?
Before submarines are taken out on manoeuvres, or into battle, extensive testing is conducted to ensure they are up to standard and safe for the seamen. One of the tests conducted verifies for leaks and fissures. In order to determine there are no leaks the vessel must be submerged to maximum depth and tested under pressure.
Before I invited Jesus into my heart, everything in life seemed like a battle. The pressure never seemed balance out. There rarely seemed to be any positive buoyancy my little submarine of life. There’s only so much a person can handle on their own, and no one person can meet our needs all the time. Living under pressure can play tricks on your mind. When you can’t flush the ballast tanks once in awhile, a person starts to feel is if they’re drowning – or sinking. The walls of life begin to creak under the strain until the pressure crushes the hull to pieces. At some point, going down and staying down begins to look appealing, or at least not as bad as you once thought it did.
I was just telling someone recently how thankful I am that that part of my life is over. I’m so thankful that there’s Someone I can turn to, every day, every minute, and know in my knower that He’ll be there WITH me.
I never expected that I would get through life without tribulation but knowing that I don’t have to go it alone relieves the pressure. Sometimes, I think I’ve been down under too long; with Him I can persevere because I know – as sure as I live – He is WITH me. I know that as I persevere my character is built on a solid foundation because He is WITH me. I can hope for a bright future and see with clarity of vision because He is WITH me. Each test I endure, I know I am not alone. Each test I endure produces positive results, whether I see them or not. The more frequent I’m submerged fissures and leaks appear less. The pressure may be on, but my Equalizer keeps me stable. He is my Rest, my Joy, my Peace in times of trouble. He is my Rock, my Foundation, my ever-present Help in times of need.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).
