Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NASB)
Many analogize running a race with Philippians 3:12-14; but Monica and I experienced an event that is also an illustration of holding on and letting go in order to move forward.
Years ago Monica and I went diving off the coast of Northern Okinawa. When our time neared to surface, we got caught in the forceful and dangerous currents of the high tide that was coming. During scuba diving school, we learned how to swim through the strong surging and receding currents. We started to apply what we learned. In doing so, I had to let go of Monica's hand so that I could hold the respirator in place while I used my other hand to grab and hold on to any holds from the lava rock floor.
The current going in toward the cliff wall was strong, but the current going back out to the depth of the sea was just as strong. As the current surged toward the cliff wall, I let go and ride the current. When I felt the current start to recede, I grabbed any bump I could hold. I repeated the process and periodically checked how much air I had left in my tank - which was not much. I had to repeat holding on to whatever I could and letting go when it was time until the currents were not as strong. Once the current was weaker at the shallower water, I was able to stand and stagger toward the cliff wall. Monica surfaced moments later and I watched helplessly as she struggled to her feet and stumbled to the wall.
I am not embarrassed to say that I thought I was never going to see Monica again during our near-death diving experience. But our training kicked in and we were able to get to the safety of the cliff wall. I cannot say that I prayed through that struggle because I was not a praying man nor close with God at that time of my life. But I now know that God was with is the whole time.
The tidal storm Monica and I faced reminds me of the tidal storms in our lives. There are times when our sins, circumstances, and our pasts try to pull us out into the depths of the despair. The secret in holding on is also letting go and trust that Jesus will surge you forward. It is already written that you and I will reach the goal of eternal life in Heaven.
As I reflect on Monica and my diving struggle, I realize that not once did I look behind me. Although, I did think of how Monica was doing. My thoughts were on getting to that wall and above the surging back and forth current. The tides of life is the same. So I encourage you, my brothers and sisters. Forget what is behind you, hold on to the things Jesus has put into place, and let go so He can surge you forward and closer to Him.
Many analogize running a race with Philippians 3:12-14; but Monica and I experienced an event that is also an illustration of holding on and letting go in order to move forward.
Years ago Monica and I went diving off the coast of Northern Okinawa. When our time neared to surface, we got caught in the forceful and dangerous currents of the high tide that was coming. During scuba diving school, we learned how to swim through the strong surging and receding currents. We started to apply what we learned. In doing so, I had to let go of Monica's hand so that I could hold the respirator in place while I used my other hand to grab and hold on to any holds from the lava rock floor.
The current going in toward the cliff wall was strong, but the current going back out to the depth of the sea was just as strong. As the current surged toward the cliff wall, I let go and ride the current. When I felt the current start to recede, I grabbed any bump I could hold. I repeated the process and periodically checked how much air I had left in my tank - which was not much. I had to repeat holding on to whatever I could and letting go when it was time until the currents were not as strong. Once the current was weaker at the shallower water, I was able to stand and stagger toward the cliff wall. Monica surfaced moments later and I watched helplessly as she struggled to her feet and stumbled to the wall.
I am not embarrassed to say that I thought I was never going to see Monica again during our near-death diving experience. But our training kicked in and we were able to get to the safety of the cliff wall. I cannot say that I prayed through that struggle because I was not a praying man nor close with God at that time of my life. But I now know that God was with is the whole time.
The tidal storm Monica and I faced reminds me of the tidal storms in our lives. There are times when our sins, circumstances, and our pasts try to pull us out into the depths of the despair. The secret in holding on is also letting go and trust that Jesus will surge you forward. It is already written that you and I will reach the goal of eternal life in Heaven.
As I reflect on Monica and my diving struggle, I realize that not once did I look behind me. Although, I did think of how Monica was doing. My thoughts were on getting to that wall and above the surging back and forth current. The tides of life is the same. So I encourage you, my brothers and sisters. Forget what is behind you, hold on to the things Jesus has put into place, and let go so He can surge you forward and closer to Him.