Climbing To Safety

The LORD Almighty is my strength.  He makes my feet like those of a deer.  He makes me walk on the mountains. (Habakkuk 3:19) GWT

I was driving through a canyon on my way up to my parents home in the mountains and noticed a sign on the side of the road that made me giggle.

It read, “In case of flood, climb up to safety.”

Um… seriously?

Doesn’t that concept seem a little… elementary?

Now I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I cannot imagine seeing raging flood waters begin to rise and decide the best course of action is to climb down into them.

That would show great stupidity and mean certain death.

But you know what?  I’ve actually climbed down into the flood waters of my circumstances a million times before.

You, too?

I can think of times in my life where I’ve been faced with rising waters in my marriage… with my friends… because of my health… regarding my children… and in our finances.

And rather than climbing up and away from those raging waters… I stepped down into them, willingly.

I bet you’ve followed the same path at times.

When those waters begin to lap at our heels, we…

• become fearful.
• look at others to save us.
• blame God.
• decided to do it our way
• allow anger to seep in. 
• feel entitled.
• entertain pride. 

Believe me, I’ve almost drown in life’s tumultuous waters.  The current can be so strong and the waves pound with great force.

But God.

He offers us safety.  Refuge.

He equips us for the battle.

He calls us to rise above.

Sisters, when we find our lives flooded with difficulty…when we watch as those waters threaten to take us under or sweep us away… we have a choice to make.

We can climb up to the safety of God’s protection, or 

We can tempt fate and try to navigate the swift waters alone.

We get to chose our journey.

If we decide to trust God, we can find the focus to climb harder than we thought.  We discover how important it is to firmly plant our feet with each step so we don’t slip.  We learn to not be distracted with the commotion happening below us.

We have to keep our eyes on God.

But so often, we give up and allow the current to pull us away. 

We become weary in the fight. 

We get beaten down. 

We begin to doubt we can handle this specific problem.

The Enemy tells us we are powerless… ineffective… and weak.

But God reminds us that He will give us all we need to become victorious.

I wonder what is causing the waters to rise in your life today?

• A betrayal?
• A medical diagnosis?
• Financial pressures?
• Resentment within your marriage?
• An addiction?
• Old tapes from childhood that keep playing?
• A child that challenges at every turn?

Sweet friends, you have a decision to make.

Will you climb up to safety… or step down into the dangerous current?

I hope to see you at the top.

Dear Father, thank You for always providing a way out for us through Your Son Jesus.  We appreciate that no matter where we find ourselves, You are there to help us and direct us and save us.  What a gracious God You are!  Father we are climbing up to You today with flood waters threatening to sweep us away, and we ask for You to protect us.  Lord, will You wrap Your arms around us keeping us dry in the storm we’re facing right now?  We need You.  We love You.  Thank You for Your promise of deliverance.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

REALITY CHECK:  When life becomes flooded with challenges and struggles… climb up to the safety of God.

†††

©2012 careyscotttalks.com

Need a Mother’s Day gift idea?  Get my book – Raising Godly Kids – here.

Let’s Connect!  Follow me on Twitter, Book Me to speak at your event, Like my Facebook Ministry Page, Visit me each Wednesday at Moms Together.