Larry’s Lines …
by Larry Murphy, Executive Director
I saw this quote a few days ago, as many of you probably did, “Ships don’t sink
because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them!
Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”
Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and
through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall
not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (RSV)
As we all try to find peace and understanding in today’s world, I want you to do
a little Bible drill work. Scripture, God’s Word, is our strength and our guard against letting the outside
water get in our boat and sink us.
Hebrews 13:5 tells us God will never, not ever, leave us or forsake us. God’s
promise that “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is found through out the Old and
New Testaments. We can find encouragement from His promise and can be assured He
is always with us.
Deuteronomy 31:6-8, especially verse six, tells us “Be strong and of good courage,
do not fear or be in dread of them: for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.”
I Chronicles 28:20 – David said to his son, “Be strong and courageous for the
Lord God is with you and He will not fail nor forsake you till all the work for the temple
of the Lord is finished.”
I Corinthians 10:13 – Paul tells us no temptation will come that He will not
provide a way that we can endure it.
I Kings 8:57, I Peter 5:7, 2 Timothy 1:7, Deuteronomy 4:31, Deuteronomy
31:6-8, Genesis 28:15, Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 13:5 and 6, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 1:9,
Micah 7:7-8 (one of my favorites), Psalm 55:22, Psalm 94:14, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm
73:23-26, and finally Revelation 3:10 – “Since you have kept my command to endure
patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole
world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”
Read all of these Scriptures and rest in God and His unfailing arms. Pray more,
talk less, trust more, talk less and allow God’s Word to strengthen your heart.
Please don’t let the outside water get inside and sink your faith.