“Daddy, I want to get my green band to go off the diving board and swim in the deep water.” My five-year-old grandson, Samuel, whispered these words to his mom at their local public pool over the weekend.
To get this green band with all its privileges, he would have to swim the entire pool distance and be able to tread water for one minute. This challenge was no small feat for the little man. But he was determined. So, he jumped and went off, with a style resembling the breaststroke with a frog kick. Halfway across the pool, he resorted to the doggy paddle.
By now, a crowd had gathered, cheering Samuel on to the finish line. Some were friends, and others were strangers. But the whole pool echoed with their chant, “Come on, Samuel! You can do it!”
Despite all the encouragement, even an energetic five-year-old gets exhausted when forced to endure such a distance. Samuel knew he was tired, but instead of pushing harder and swimming faster, he made a wise decision. He was on his back with one twist of his little body, floating like a starfish. Arms spread wide open. No striving, just resting.
As endearing as this story is to my heart, it carries a profound truth worth exploring.
There are times in our life when we sprint through a crisis. Then there are times when the hardship seems to go on with no finish line. We search for answers but come up empty. We pray, but God seems distant. Maybe if we work harder, keep busy, or gather more information, we will come to a different conclusion. But like Samuel, all our efforts leave us worn. We realize our striving will never supply what we need to finish the race.
But Samuel demonstrated a lesson we can all use. He understood that to finish the race, sometimes, you just got to lean back and let go.
Trials open doors to experience His strength in our weakness.
But he answered me,
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So, I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So, I’m not defeated by my weakness but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
Paul shared this message with the church at Corinth after explaining that he had cried out to God three times to remove a “thorn” in his flesh. Whatever his thorn was, Paul wanted it gone. He wanted God to step in and change his circumstances. Instead, God changed Paul’s perspective on his situation. When Paul finally accepted who God was in his hardship, he could lean back, let go, and enjoy God’s presence in the middle of his uncertainty.
Friends, we are in the middle of a crisis. One that keeps some of us up at night, wanting answers, crying out for God to remove it. You may find yourself looking for an escape or feeling so tired you are beginning to question if you will be able to cross that finish line.
If so, let’s take a cue from a little boy who almost gave up but found a way to finish. Let go of control, lean back, arms open to our Father’s presence, and let the waves of His grace carry us.
Then we, like Paul, will be able to say-
- His grace is enough
- He reveals His strength through my weakness
- When life is out of my control, I can delight in the One who is in control
Letting go and leaning back into God’s presence may seem foreign. Let me encourage you to try a few simple steps if that is the case.
- Find a quiet place to retreat alone. It can be a comfy armchair in the corner of your living room or a patio chair on the porch at sunset. Just find someplace to be alone with God.
- Bring that list of burdens that keep you awake, and imagine tossing them at Jesus’ feet. Give them all to Him.
- Let God know you need to be with Him. Let Him know this moment is set aside for just the two of you.
- Then think about His love. Think about His goodness. Remember His grace and His faithfulness that has carried you this far. Thank Him.
- Now, wait. Listen to God’s voice. A scripture may come to mind or a favorite hymn. You may recall a word of encouragement whispered by a friend. You may have a release of tears or a burst of joy as you recount God’s faithfulness.
- Resist the urge to rush this moment. God does not exist within our time constraints. Let Him do the work needed to restore and refresh your heart.
Remember, God is for us. And like the crowd cheering my grandson on to the finish line, our heavenly Father does the same for us. Little Samuel made it and received his green band. We will make it, too, as we learn to lean back, let go, and let God carry us.
6 Responses
The Green Ban—–Enduring
That is the way I will remember the story!!!
Such a sweet heart felt story of grace. Those grandchildren are so precious and can teach us so much.
Your message is so special to me. I have found, just like you said, lean in and let God, rather than stress myself to no end. But, with God guiding, a welcome outcome and most times not how I would have thought Grace would come. But, come it did!
Bless you and your messages. They mean so much to so many.
Geri