When the Waves Pound

    “I have learned to kiss the wave that slams me into the Rock of Ages.”

    An interesting quote. Penned by Charles Spurgeon, one has to wonder what he was enduring when he wrote it. Was he suffering? Was he being tempted or tried by something he couldn’t endure…except for throwing himself on Jesus?

    A friend and I had a good conversation on this topic. Did you know that the waves of life are not actually bad things? It’s difficult to believe, but true. Those tempestuous waves teach us so much, often when we’re not even willing to learn. God has a way of teaching us anyway. He allows trials and heartache to mold us into something beautiful, something that is more prepared to serve others and be a blessing. And He doesn’t just throw us out there without a life-raft or jacket. He is our life, our very existence.

    Best of all, He not only walks on water, but He can stop the storm with a word.

    But should we always want the waves to stop pounding? According to Spurgeon, we need to learn to embrace the waves. Why? Because it washes us closer to that Rock of Ages. And there is nothing like tribulation to help us see the heart of God and realize just how much He loves us. However, being drawn closer to the heart of God isn’t the only beneficial aspect of learning to embrace the waves.

    Did you know that the stormy weather of life is sometimes a good indication of where you are spiritually? If you are doing something great for God, you can pretty much expect some difficulty to show up in your life. If you are sold out to Him and making a difference in any way whatsoever, trials will come. Because the adversary wants nothing more than to discourage you and trip you up. And, yes, Satan will sometimes use fellow Christians to do it.

    So, when the waves pound, there are some basic safety procedures about keeping afloat to remember. Discover what you are supposed to be learning. Evaluate if it could in any way be an attack from the adversary because of something good you did…and then rejoice because you are making a difference. Let the waves pound you closer to the Rock of Ages.

    And remember that your Savior walked on water and stilled the storms when His disciples couldn’t handle it anymore. He can and will do the same for you.

About the Author :

Alicia A. Willis is a home-school graduate, published author, and avid historian. She is a firm believer in the principle that one can accomplish anything by substantial amounts of prayer and coffee. Visit her at her blog or Facebook to view her historical-fiction novels and all the goings-on between writing.