(This week’s devotions are based on Sunday’s message: Win the Day…Kiss the Wave – LISTEN HERE)
“I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages”
― Charles H. Spurgeon
Waves are powerful. Small waves that lap the shoreline are ones we readily splash through. A little bit bigger waves give enough power to propel a boogie board with a small person on it. Larger waves are captured by surfers. But the larger the wave, one realizes the power and immensity are going to be overwhelming and fatal. Large waves toss a person, a surfer around and without anchor, a boat would be dashed into the shoreline and lost.
Yet, Spurgeon uses this analogy to put a perspective on the powerful waves that sweep over us in life…they are a blessing to receive when that wave crashes us into the Rock of Ages, Jesus himself.
But they don’t always do that.
All too often, the waves of life have potential to dash us against the rocks of fear, insecurity and anything but Jesus.
The reality is life is filled with waves of various sizes…relationship challenges, political concerns, health issues, family stains, financial worries and more.
So what makes the difference between whether we curse the wave (i.e. blame God for it and drift from God because of it) or kiss the wave (i.e. thank God for it and move closer to God as a result of it)?
The difference is whether I see God’s purposes in the waves he allows to come into my life. If I do, I will recognize the blessing God intends. If I don’t I will never see the power of God show up.
How so?
Let’s go back to the disciples on the evening of Jesus’ resurrection. As you read the account ask, “What is the wave and how did Jesus ensure the wave drove them back to him?
John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
What was the wave?
Their Leader was crucified and dead. Confusion came as some said he was alive. Fear was palpable as they sat together behind closed doors because of perceived threat from the Jewish leaders.
What was going to happen? We don’t know the conversation, but they could have been talking about what the next step was, reflecting on the impact of what had just happened, and questioning the reports of the women that said he was alive.
Fear kept them behind closed doors.
Fear paralyzed them.
Fear kept them from enjoying an evening of celebration because Jesus was alive.
But Jesus changes that by bringing his presence and his peace among them. They were overjoyed.
And then Jesus sends them out with the message of forgiveness.
Jesus changes the wave from one that we feel like cursing to one we feel like kissing.
We’ll unpack more of the process that moves us when a wave is crashing to be dashed into the Rock of Ages.
Apply: What is the wave in your life right now? Is it leading you closer or farther from Christ?
Prayer: Lord Jesus thank you for the waves in my life. Help me to learn to deal with them in a way that leads me closer to you, not farther away. AMEN