It’s Who You Are

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV

The waves surround me, thrashing about, waiting for me to drink.  Darkness closes in; I cannot see clearly; it lays in wait to blind me.  Heavy clouds descend upon me, anticipating my final breath.  Death bides its time; he is patient and relentless.  He nurses my surrender. The tide is rushing in.  Fear besieges me; I am drowning. My breath fails me in my darkest moment.

Amidst the waves, I cry out, begging and pleading with my God, Abba, my Father.

He does not answer my petition. I am not comforted, but yet I will trust with all that is left in me. Is this my time?

The whisper of the enemy hearkens me.  Softly then surely, he overcomes my senses. “He has forgotten you, for your sins are too great for Him to bear! You are not worthy.” He laughs at me. My shame weighs me down like an anchor dragging on the bed of the sea.

I cry again, “No more is possible for me to bear my Lord! Death knocks at my door!” And in this moment, the battle of the world meets the battle of the Heavenlies. I see my Father fight for me. He is my defence; it’s who He is.

A still, small voice calls to me from the war that rages around me, “Do not be afraid. I am here.”  The Spirit of Life is breathed into me, and I am filled with confidence where shame once lived.  I am rescued.  “You are my child, and I will never leave you.” His voice is Truth. His Way is life.

The waves relent. The Light shines upon me. My Way has been found. The sea is stilled.  The world becomes the place where I am, but His Spirit lives within me. My fear is quenched. His peace gives me the breath of life. My way is found.

Praise and glory are yours. From Your lips creation lives. It bows down before you. I praise You. I honour You. All glory is Yours for You have redeemed me from death into life everlasting … it’s who You are.

Abba, You hear. You know. You see. Save me from the powers of darkness at work in this world. Where there is unbelief, help me to believe. Where there is fear, teach me how to tread on serpents with great boldness that You may be glorified in Heaven and on earth. Amen.