SNEEK PEEK INTO LAUNCH OUT INTO THE DEEP
The storms of life have clouded your outlook of a better tomorrow. Because of the heavy overcast, the warmth cannot be felt, neither can its light be seen, but it is still there; it is hidden. Darkness begins to surround you as the wind and rain beat vehemently. Your heart begins to pound intensely as you behold the thunder and lightning blasting from the sky. The wind is blowing so harshly that it is hard for you to stand. What will you do? Should you face the storm? You are on this boat in the middle of the sea; you have to make a decision. Your friends are on this boat with you. You beckon for them to follow, but they do not understand your pain, or the unsettled emotions inside of you that are desperate for a probable solution.
They look at you in horror as you dare to take a step into the deep. You cannot look back, for your survival is dependent upon staying focused. As you walk slowly through the waters, you hear whispers, sarcasm, ridicule, and rebuke, but within your heart, there is a knowing that all is well. You hear a whisper in your spirit. “My son, my daughter, don’t fear, Launch Out Into The Deep!”
You are now aware of the strength of your character as you take courageous steps of faith through the deep. All of a sudden, you hear tumultuous thunder. It sounds as if humongous iron gates are clanging together. You hear whispers in the midst of all the chaos, “You will not make it; you are a fool. You’ve believed for a miracle for all these years; everyone is getting blessed except you, give up!” Your emotions and afflictions make the glory of God appear as overcast.
The words sink into your heart, and you begin to tremble as tears fall down your face. You feel alone. Confusion begins to set in; you begin to look to the right and left and then you turn around. The words of defeat appear to be reality. You know the truth, but it is hard to have faith when it seems your whole world is caving in. You begin to sink, until your head is almost covered. You gasp for air, believing it to be your last. You have lost all hope of coming out alive. Suddenly, you feel someone behind you. Their strong arms rest under your armpits, as they slowly begin to lift you above the water. Their voice is gentle and compassionate. “Fear Not, Only Believe, my son, my daughter, I am here!” A smile spreads across your face and hope once again floods your soul. You are aware that your trial will not end instantly, but you are confident your savior will be with you every step of the way. This journey you will conquer, as you Launch Out Into the Deep.
FEAR NOT ONLY BELIEVE (A Poem)
(By Aaron and Acacia)
Fear not my child, for I am near.
I will wipe away every tear.
Be not ashamed, you are not alone.
I am your sunshine in the midst of the storm.
Step forth in faith – do not sway; the help you need is on the way.
Hold your head up high -- look towards the sky,
for the Lord Jehovah is nearby.
Just when your hope seems to fade away,
the Lord comes just in time to save the day.
He may not come when you want Him to,
but He’s the Lord Almighty, He knows what to do.
The Lord always comes in the right season;
He wants to make sure you’re ready that’s the reason.
Look towards the horizon and you will see,
your path through the storm to your destiny.
Selah: (Pause and Meditate) Isaiah 43:2 “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!”
Words of the Wise: “When an eagle faces a storm, it spreads its wings and soars higher.” -Pastor Bill Daugherty
