THE DEAD MAN FLOAT ... A Call to Surrender

I’ve been thinking about life overall in recent days… where I’ve been… what I’ve done. Things I still want to do.  How can the years go by so fast?

And as the Lent season starts today, I’ve also been thinking about what are the possible things I need to pull back from, surrender to God? Where do I need to refocus in honor of Jesus and all He did for me?

It’s interesting what keeps coming to mind is that in all areas of my life, I need to be doing the:

“dead man float.”

What is the “dead man float?” 

When I was younger, our family would often go swimming. In local pools or at lakes, I learned quickly that I liked the water.  At least, I liked sitting beside the water and watching waves lap the shore, so relaxing. I liked floating on top of the water in a boat or raft. But actually- swimming in the water- I never grew to enjoy too much. I couldn’t seem to get my eyes to open and my nose to close. So, if the water was deep or began to move, I felt panicked. And not at ease. I stayed in shallow and safe water most of the time and tried to hide the fact that I wasn’t a confident swimmer.

Now, the best swimmer in our family is my Dad. I loved watching him. He loved the water. And so many times, he would do the “dead man float.” It’s basically where you lie face down in the water, perfectly relaxed, and it almost looks like your dead. I remember seeing many a lifeguard look nervously at my Dad- because he could hold that position for so long. J

The dictionary actually says the dead man float is also called the Survivor Float and it’s a key float to learn. If you’re ever in a situation where you have to save your energy or you’re in deep water, doing this float can save your life.

But I think it’s hard for us to be still, to lay like we’re dead. We like to stay in control, to make moves.

But what God seems to be reminding me about this float is it’s like getting on the cross and staying there. I believe God is calling all of us to that place of trust, a place of surrender.

In all areas of my life, am I allowing God to lead me? Or are there places in my mind and heart or parts of my day where I’m making moves or doing things without asking Him for His leadership?  Am I really surrendering in all areas to God?

For God says…

Luke 9:23

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wanst to save their life, will lose it. But if you lose your life for me, you will save it.

Psalm 46

Be still and know that I am God…… He is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and… though the waters roar… the Lord Almighty is with us…

Psalm 37

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him… Be still and wait patiently for Him…

What makes one move out of that place of surrender? That place of stillness and trust of God’s timing?

Lots of things make us move without seeking God’s leadership first…

Storms can come and make us nervous. Just like the disciples when a storm came and waves began to crash against the boat they were in … they freaked out, thinking they were going to drown. Jesus was napping.  We get nervous in storms.

Then we see Peter doing a great act of faith, walking on the water towards Jesus. But when He took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the waves around him, He began to sink.

Then other times, we see things we want immediately, maybe a relationship or a new job and before we seek God about it, we move. Thinking if we don’t move or don’t fight to get that thing at that moment, we’ll lose it.

Sometimes we move because an enemy, like a shark, begins to circle. And we move off the cross of obedience where God has called us to be because we don’t want to get beaten or lose something.

But I believe what God is saying to me is that in my own life, I have to be doing the dead man float in ALL areas. To stay in a place of trust, every day submitting first to the leadership of Jesus in my life.

Now am I suggesting, to not move ever? To be lazy in life? No way. Following Jesus requires obedient ready moves.  It’s hard and life is not easy. You have to work hard to make relationships work and to get things done.

 

But I feel like God is saying the key is to be still first so you can hear Him and then He will tell you the next move. He will tell you when and where and how and with who. He says... Trust me. Listen to me. Let me lead you, I can. Stay yoked with me!!!

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

And thankfully, there’s a rest that comes when someone else is leading. We have a good leader, the best leader, the Good Shepherd, who died so we can live. We can trust Him!

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes to me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Remembering that...

Philippians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ, and yet I live!

In surrender, He leads us. And we then have nothing to fear!

Prayer Requests

-Please pray for this Lent season for me, as I listen for God’s leadership in all areas of my life. I want to surrendered to His will and be at my best for Him. I want to seek Him first and most.

-Hope College started their semester this week, please pray as my workload doubles, that God will give me good time management and creativity in lesson planning. And more than anything opportunities to share about Him.

-ETC classes continue to go well. I’m enjoying the three classes I’m teaching: Cross Cultural Communication; Small Group Ministry; and Evangelism and Discipleship. Please pray God will continue to build the church here in Ethiopia through our staff team of instructors and in our fellowship with each other. What an honor it is to be with these students!

 

 

 

-All of my Hope small group  Bible study members are graduating this July. As I finale with these dear students, may these final months be ones of growth and unity as I run the final lap with them.  Please pray for them as many start businesses and apply for work and graduate school.  We had a slumber party for the girls last weekend which will be in heart always. Visiting with each other and the neighbor's kids, so fun. :-) What an honor it has been to live life with these students!

 

 

-Please keep my family in prayer. They’re doing great! My parents continue to bless many. And my sister is still in Ohio working for our home church in missions. Please pray God strategically uses her as our church and country moves forward.  It’s a critical time!

Thank you for your prayers. And know I appreciate each of you so much! Please let me know how I can pray for you as well this Lent season.

May this countdown to Easter for each of us be one where God also calls us to a place of deeper trust in Him!