Into Deep Waters – Surviving Life’s Tests with the Holy Spirit

Theme: The Holy Spirit’s role in helping us survive and thrive through life’s deepest challenges.

Story: When I was twelve, we had moved to Lancaster, Massachusetts, where there was an indoor pool at the women’s dormitory at the college. Our favorite pastime was to go to the pool every Saturday night with the other children. I usually stayed in the shallow end, but one particular Saturday night, I decided to venture a little farther toward the deep end, holding on to the wall. As long as I could touch the ground, I felt safe. At one point, I lost track, still holding the wall and laughing with the kids, when suddenly I couldn’t feel the bottom. I panicked, let go, and started sinking. I tried so hard to float, but I couldn’t. I panicked, but then I stopped. I started going down like a rock and had what felt like an out-of-body experience, watching myself sink. I remember my orange bathing suit—a hand-me-down from the local Dorcas. As I was going under, I heard someone say, “Does she know how to swim?” The next thing I knew, the lifeguard jumped in, grabbed me, pulled me up, and scolded me to stay in the shallow area.

At age fourteen, I faced my fears again when I was offered a Lifeguard Aid position at the Colina Del Sol Swimming Pool in San Diego. I did not have to demonstrate my skills in the deep end, but I still had to show that I could swim. I’d almost drowned twice before, yet I pushed through my apprehension. Staying afloat was hard, but I managed to doggie paddle because the vision of what I could accomplish—summer earnings, school supplies, and new clothes—gave me courage. That first real victory buoyed my confidence and taught me that you can swim even when you’re scared.

Relevance Today

Whether you’re in a season of testing or victory, relying on the Holy Spirit will keep you afloat and guide you into deeper healing and freedom.

Bible Verses

• Hebrews 12:1-3 – "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."

• 1 Timothy 6:12 – "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called..."

• Matthew 21:22 – "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Call to Action

• Identify which “deep end” you are facing right now.

• Invite the Holy Spirit to give you courage and faith.

• Take one step of faith today toward letting Him lead.

Things to Remember

• The Holy Spirit revives what you cannot revive on your own.

• Swimming in faith means trusting God even when you’re scared.

Related Post

The Ultimate Weapon in Spiritual Warfare