Larry’s Lines. . .
By Larry Murphy, Executive Director
I saw this quote a few days ago, as many of you probably did, “Ships don’t sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them! Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”
Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (RSV)
As we all try to find peace and understanding in today’s world, I want you to do a little Bible drill work.
Scripture, God’s Word, is our strength and our guard against letting the outside water get in our boat and sink us.
Hebrews 13:5 tells us God will never, not ever, leave us or forsake us. God’s promise that “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is found through out the Old and New Testaments. We can find encouragement from His promise and can be assured He is always with us.
Deuteronomy 31:6-8, especially verse six, tells us “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.”
I Chronicles 28:20 – David said to his son, “Be strong and courageous for the Lord God is with you and He will not fail nor forsake you till all the work for the temple of the Lord is finished.”
I Corinthians 10:13 – Paul tells us no temptation will come that He will not provide a way that we can endure it.
I Kings 8:57, I Peter 5:7, 2 Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 4:31, Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Genesis 28:15, Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 13:4 and 6, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:9, Micah 7:7-8 (one of my favorites), Psalm 55:22, Psalm 94:14, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 73:23-26, and finally Revelation 3:10 – “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”
Read all of these scripture and rest in God and His unfailing arms. Pray more, talk less, trust more, talk less and allow God’s word to strengthen your heart.
Please don’t let the outside water get inside and sink your faith.