Mastering The Waves Of Adversity

Mastering the Waves of Adversity

Tracie Miles

My son and his friend made an excited dash toward the ocean with their inflated boat. Despite the gusty winds, they were determined to carry it to the water to ride on the waves. I watched as the raft flapped wildly in the air, nearly lifting the boys off the ground.

They made repeated efforts to get into the boat, but after being sucked under the rough waters multiple times, they finally admitted defeat. The waves had taken a toll on both their spirits and the raft, rendering both boys and boat helpless.

Watching their defenselessness against the whitecaps, I was reminded of a season when I felt powerless against the waves of adversity crashing against me. The economy was going downhill, severely affecting our family. My sister’s chronic illness had gotten worse. One of my children faced a serious health issue. The washing machine broke, the transmission died, and a hailstorm damaged our roof. Each day seemed to bring with it a new tidal wave of problems, anxiety, and stress. It was a long season in which I felt sucked under by a raging current, barely able to hold my head above water. I was completely deflated, just like the boys’ little raft.

During that time, I clung to the psalmist’s wisdom about persevering through difficult times: “God is our refuge and strength … So we will not fear” (Psalm 46:1–2 NLT). This promise helped me to remember my need for God, and to rely on Him because I wasn’t equipped to handle life on my own.

The truth is that none of us is equipped to handle life on our own. No matter how strong we think we are, there will come a time when the demands of life overwhelm us. We will desperately need a refuge from the storms and someone who understands what we’re going through.

I understood the frustration of two little boys who wanted to ride the waves in their raft. After they rested and the wind lessened, they tried again and finally found themselves floating in the boat, instead of hanging from it.

God understands what we’re going through. His Word promises He will help us in times of trouble. When adversity strikes, God offers Himself as our refuge and His strength to weather life’s storms. No matter the problems tossing us about, we don’t have to feel like we’re simply hanging on. Instead, we can trust the One who offers us peace and carries us through until we get to calmer shores.

Dear Lord, I feel beaten down by the storms of life, drowning in a sea of adversity and stress. I commit to depend on You as my refuge and I place my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

God is your refuge and true source of strength to handle life’s adversities and storms.

REFLECT

Where have you been trying to manage life on your own instead of relying on God? What might be the benefit of learning to rely on His strength instead of your own?

RESPOND

Write down the most stressful circumstances you are juggling today. Surrender them to God in prayer, and ask Him to provide the strength and ability to trust Him in all things.

POWER VERSES

Psalm 9:9–10; Isaiah 41:10