“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3
Many people have a horror story about their dad teaching them to swim by tossing them in water over their head.
Not my dad.
The other day I woke from a dream and the memory of my dad teaching me to swim.
We were in my Aunt’s in-ground pool.
There was a shallow end and deep end.
I was hanging out in the shallow, as he showed me how to tread water, and other techniques as well as encouragement and advice. Helping me by letting me hold the side of his arms.
He never really let me go or went very far.
Once he could tell I could do it, even if I didn’t believe I could.
He suggested me trying on my own- but still where I could easily touch if needed.
Once I mastered that my confidence grew, yet the deep end was still daunting.
So instead of letting me go, or throwing me in or even telling me what to do next and leaving me.
He showed me.
He swam over to the deep end himself.
Showed me it could be done.
Because actions speak louder than words.
So I thought, not sure how long really. But he was patient.
I knew I could trust him, after all he had already saved men in war, and he could do my math problems easily – (little girl thinking)
I knew his character, and we had a history..
He hadn’t thrown me in, got mad at me, or just left me to take his advice and do it on my own.
He showed me what I was capable of with his instruction and help.
He waited for me to be ready, but also helped me get ready.
Once I started swimming I didn’t stop.
I left the shallow end for the deep, and never looked back.
Friend, trauma isn’t the best teacher, love is. Never forget that.
That’s what kind of Heavenly Father we have too- and even more so!
He is patient, and kind, and never leaves us or tosses into dangerous traumatic situations just so we can “learn a lesson”.
He is not a sink or swim God! He is a walk on on the stormy seas and pull you out God.
Scripture says we will go through deep waters, trials, and tribulations.. but it never says He leaves us!
He is always there with us!
You may not have had a good earthly father like mine, so your heart may be doubtful or scared that it’s even possible—
But you do have a good Heavenly Father.
He is waiting for you to choose to believe today. He won’t force you, love always requires choice.
Today, and everyday, choose Jesus. The only One who you can truly trust to never leave you. And maybe today all you can see is the raging sea in front of you, as you gasp for air. Hold on, and remind yourself of this truth in 2 Corinthians 5:7 “ for we live by faith, not by sight” so no matter what your eyes see this day, or this week. Have faith in the truth you have a good Father who walks on water.
Shannon R. Hess 
One response to “Monday Morning Devotional: Sink or swim.”
What a beautiful picture of your dad! My mom and dad actually PAID someone to throw me into the deep end of their in-ground pool. Smh…I’m better for it. Maybe. 😉
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