Waves- 

Back in October, my husband and I met with a high risk pregnancy doctor for the first time. We sat down in her cold, sterile office and waited. Goodness—that wait felt like forever! Then, the doctor walked in the room and one look from her was all we needed to know it was not good news. She went on to share our future’s son’s diagnosis with us, and his survival chances of just 50 percent. Praise Jesus he is here today! 

I share this to illustrate a point—why is it that news like this always seems to come out of the blue? Like a giant wave on the horizon, it hits us unaware. It could be a high risk pregnancy, a job loss, a terminal illness (you name it!); but, I think we all come to recognize that life comes in seasons, and life comes in waves. I am reminded of Peter walking on the water when I think of this. The disciples were in the middle of a storm when they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them.

Peter asked Jesus to command him to get out of the boat. Peter stepped onto the waves, “[but] when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!””(Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭30‬). When Peter had his eyes on the waves, he sank. When Peter had his eyes of Jesus, he took the needed steps of faith. I found myself repeating “eyes off the waves” in those hard moments when fear seemed to crash down on me.

Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), so through Him we can keep our eyes on just what and who we need. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. But, God knows that! That’s why He gave us His armor. When we read of the Armor of God, it’s poignant to note that our shield from the enemy’s fiery darts is our faith (Ephesians 6:16). Our shield of faith is only made possible by Jesus. Jesus beats out the enemy’s fiery darts EVERY time.

We must not lower our shields, or turn from our faith, because it is our source of safety. Whether it’s fear, doubt, anxiousness, anger or whatever else that tells us to lower our shield—it’s a lie and a dead end. Keep pressing on saints, God is in control and He has a good plan for you even when it doesn’t make sense: “[for] now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬).He is worthy our trust. 

Tayler Ransome 

#EverythingUnderTheSon