Ride the Wave

My son, Jason, had never been near the ocean, let alone in it.

But there he was, couldn't be stopped. He would walk up to the edge of the water and allow the waves to take him into the sea. I tried it. Once. But fearful of its power and the possibility of it taking me under and out to the depths of no return, I steered clear and enjoyed the Atlantic’s crashing waves from my beach chair.

Jason wanted me in on his fun and would encourage me. "Mom, you just need to let it take you. Relax into the wave and it'll carry you. See?" And off he'd go with the wave—and back again.

We were oceanside for a week. And he was catching the waves as often as he could. I think about this today, and am reminded of a quote in C.S. Lewis's work The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe from Chronicles of Narnia. Lucy asks her new friend about Aslan, "Is he safe?"

The friend responds, wisely, "No, he's not safe. But he's good."

Some would balk at the thought that our God is unsafe. But let's think about this for a moment. He's good. Very good. His thoughts towards us are for our good, never our harm (Jeremiah 29:11).

As we travel through the course of time, though, we can see individuals placing themselves in danger to answer the call of the Lord. Missionaries, intent on carrying the gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth. There's a book filled with stories detailing those who gave their lives for the sake of Christ (Foxe's Book of Martyrs).

The truth is, God is good. He always does good. But his word also tells us that if we seek to save our lives, we will lose them. But if we lose our lives for His name, we will be saved (Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24, 17:33; John 12:25).

We are also told by Jesus to store our treasures in heaven, rather than earth where destruction, theft, and loss are likely (Matthew 6:20-21).

The words, “Just let it (the waves) take you …” is surrender. Complete and total trust in the only One who can save us. He created us and called us into existence for His own. We are destined for eternity, in His presence. But it is our choice.

It makes me pause and consider the words in CS Lewis’s books about God’s goodness over safety. He will take us on a current we may not feel equipped to swim in. But He will, as the ocean current was faithful to do with my son, carry us back to shore with the vibrancy of life and greater joy. As we learn of our security in His care, we will be able to devote ourselves more to Him.

I am still working this all out, as I dip my toe into the oceans of His love. My heart longs to be unsafe in His goodness. But my mind wars against what my heart and soul know to be right, good, and true. 

As I write this, I am in Jiyeh, Lebanon visiting my daughter’s in-laws while she has surgery (I’ll share at a later date). God has been faithful to challenge my heart, invite me to stop wading and surrender, all while assuring me that His goodness will be my stronghold.

I have so much to share. So much I want to express. And as I am able to unpack it all, I will pour out for all to hear. God is good. He has a great plan for you and me. Come with me and allow the waves of His grace to carry us on an adventure we never imagined possible.

Until next time. 

Karlene. 

 

ps. In the coming weeks, I will be writing a series on the Lord’s Prayer. I am excited to see all the Lord has for me to share.