We try to surround ourselves with things we believe will save us. Things that we hope will act as life preservers. That will keep us from drowning when the waters start to rise. But the truth is nothing in this world is able to save us every time. Others will first try to save themselves. Cars, houses, and possessions only sink to the bottom. Money may float on the surface but it can never support your weight. Even the healthiest people will lose strength and looks are no help when you are drowning.
What you need is the only thing that won’t sink. That can support all your weight and more. That never loses strength, and who’s beauty can save because it surpasses the physical. That is Jesus. He is not affected by the storm. Who stands atop the water willing and able to elevate you. Leading you to where He is, above the danger. Nothing in this world is able to save you but Jesus can. Of course, this is true in salvation but it is just as true in any of life’s situations. While everything this world has to offer can fail you, Jesus will never fail you.
Matthew 8:24–26 (ESV)
24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
John 6:18–21 (ESV)
18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Matthew 14:25–32 (ESV)
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Everything we see and have in this world is subject to sudden and rapid change. The car that started yesterday may not start today. The home we just left may not be there when we get back. Value can drop instantly causing all you saved to be worthless. Trusting in these things is like grabbing onto a rotten hole-ridden life preserver. Offering the semblance of help but not providing any life-saving support.
Or like stepping into a sinking boat that will only take you down with it. What we really need is an ark like that of Noah. While everyone else is trusting in what they can see we must trust in what we can’t see. Building faith in our life so when the storm blows in it will carry us safely to the other side. Ultimately carrying us to Heaven. The place that nothing but Christ is able to get us to.
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV)
7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Jesus is our ark. By trusting in Him and building life-saving faith in Him we will be transported to safety. While all those who trusted in this world will be destroyed. The things of this world can be great tools when everything is normal. But when things take a turn they become nothing more than worthless. So don’t try to rely on what is unable to save you. Instead, place all your trust in Jesus. Who offers a better way to live and has the ability to save you both in this life and the life to come. He is the eternal life preserver.
Matthew 24:35 (ESV)
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
2 Peter 3:10–12 (ESV)
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 Timothy 6:17 (ESV)
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
So stop relying on the things that are unable to save you and place that same trust in the Lord. Who is able to rescue you in any situation life is able to throw at you. While simultaneously preserving your soul into eternity. The world is not able to offer anything close to that. Jesus truly is the only one who is able to save you every time. When nothing else is able to work and it seems impossible Jesus is able to do exactly what you need. Don’t wait until every other option has been explored. Instead, reach to Him first. He can support your every need.
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