A few years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea in Israel. I had always heard you could not sink in the water there, so I tried to do just that…sink. I raised both arms and legs at the same time but I could not sink. I had no choice but to float. However, is it that easy to float in a lake or sea?
Anyone can learn to float in water. Even a child can learn to do it. It is not dependent on age, gender, or training. The secret behind floating is to do absolutely nothing but relax. If you work at it, you will fail. The only way to float is to not move any part of your body and to depend on the water to hold you up.
The picture of a person floating in the water was given by my friend when she was trying to describe faith to her daughter. I thought it was a great illustration. Think about it. We know we are to rest in the Lord, but we struggle, worry, fret, manipulate, and work while we are supposed to be resting. This is as successful as struggling to float in water.
The key is to simply rest or float on the faithfulness of God and His promises. If it is so easy, why does it feel hard? The problem is, that it requires us to give up: to cease our human or fleshly efforts
Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV).
Our ability to spiritually float in faith is in direct proportion to our denial of self and our relationship with Jesus Christ. The closer we get to Him, the better we know Him, and the easier it is for us to let go and trust God.
I spent many years of my Christian life struggling instead of resting. As a result, I often just got worn out and weary instead of accomplishing what God had in mind. Have you noticed that we don't get tired when we are floating in the water? We do not get fatigued because we are exerting little effort. The water is holding us up. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:17 KJV).
When Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water to Christ, it was not accomplished through his efforts, but rather by his faith in Jesus. As long as his eyes focused on Jesus, Peter didn’t just float, he walked on the water. However, as soon as Peter’s focus shifted to the waves and the wind, he sank. All his fleshly efforts could not stand him upright on the water.
Are you floating today or struggling? Regardless of how fierce the storm is or how high the waves may rise, you can choose to rest and depend on the divine power of Jesus Christ. He cares about you and is waiting to help you. Just take Him at His word and trust. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40 KJV).