A particular crisis had come to my life—an unexpected one to say the least. The crisis was one that had begun to take root in my heart, producing very unhealthy fruit. I had not anticipated nor expected its arrival. Yet, there it was, and there I was right in the crush of it.
One day I drove out to a waterfront to have some alone time with God. The view before me on this day was breathtaking. The sky was beautiful, and the water stretched as far as the eye could see. Yet, there in the midst of such splendor, God met His child in the heart of horrific brokenness.
The waves of rejection had washed upon me, while questions pondered over and over in my mind. Why Lord is this happening? Even more so, why are You allowing it? As I sat in my car trying to pray, tears began to flow. Yet, the intervention God brought on this day was not in the trial at-hand, but rather in the child’s heart, bringing a revelation she would never forget and one she would hold on to with all her might.
As I looked out over the water, my eyes became captivated with a large thick yellow rope. It had been placed in the water for the sole purpose of separating (for the swimmers) the shallow end from the deep end. The rope was used for the swimmer’s protection. As I later came to realize in a spiritual sense, it was being used for mine as well.
As I continued to glare at the rope, which brought protective divide, God spoke to my heart in the most amazing way. He showed me on that day that in all that was happening in my life, the direction the trial was taking, (the rope) was being allowed for my protection to keep me close to the safe shoreline (with Him) and out of the deep waters of danger.
As I sat for a time soaking up what God was showing me, I was overtaken by the great love of a Father and His faithfulness toward His child. God knew what was ahead. He saw what I could not see; therefore, the rope was placed and positioned for my protection.
God did not change the trial on this day, but He did change me. Upon viewing the entirety of the situation through His eyes, I exited the parking lot a different person than what I was when I drove into the parking lot.
Months later, the hardship is still underway, but I am no longer under its influence, nor do I want to be. To this day, God continues to bring the rope to my mind, reminding me that He has me, and He is protecting me from harm.
Remember—God sees what you and I do not see. He knows those individuals who try to hurt us. He knows the reasoning behind the trial and what He is going to do in and through us amidst it. He is allowing the rope to stay placed and positioned for safety. So trust the Father with that which you cannot see or understand.
A Word of Caution: If we attempt to lift up the rope or attempt to go under it (putting our hands in the midst of the trial), we will find ourselves in the deep waters of danger. Stay on the right side of the rope close to the shore, and let God fight your battles while protecting you in the midst of them. He loves you, sees you, and is working even now on your behalf.
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea, Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3).
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
“For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13).
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
“Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you” (Deuteronomy 3:22).
