Swimming With Sharks
by Karen Bandy
Recently our family was enjoying a holiday during a spring break in Florida. We were blessed to find a private spot along the east coast to enjoy the ocean. After spending much of our time jumping the waves and enjoying the sun it was getting time to pack up and go home.
Our youngest daughter, not wanting to leave, asked if I would go back in the water one last time before we left. As we entered into the water this time I felt uneasy and had a sense to pray for protection against sharks and any kind of attack. I wrestled with my thoughts and began to push aside my prayer as silly and fearful. We continued to enjoy ourselves when a man who was fishing next to us yelled over the roar of the ocean to get out! At first we didn’t understand what he was saying until he communicated with his hands SHARK! We ran out of the water to the shore where we were told by many onlookers that two sharks swam about 6ft. away from my daughter and I in-between us and the shore. When asked how big these sharks were, the approximate size was six feet long.
While in a state of shock and relief I immediately remembered I felt led to pray protection about sharks. God was warning me and He protected us. Because the water was murky we had no idea there were sharks swimming with us. But God did.
What a great reminder to listen to the voice of the Lord when He prompts us. Psalm 91 reminds us that if we dwell in the shadow of the Almighty that He will protect us. Dwelling doesn’t happen only in a crisis, but through every moment of our day.
How often in our daily walk with Jesus are we ‘swimming with sharks’? Knowing the voice of our Father is imperative in our relationship with Him so that we can follow His warnings. I’m so glad for this recent reminder that He sees me and that He dwells within me.
Prayer: Father, Thank You that when I dwell in the shadow of the almighty I am invited into a relationship where I can hear Your voice and see Your hand at work in my life. I’m sorry for the times that I doubt Your voice. May my confidence in Your love for me grow as I dwell in You!
Karen Bandy and her husband Kent have been directors of the Ellel Ministries Canada Center in Westport, Ontario since 2006. Karen’s main role is Ministry Manager and loves to teach others about the Kingdom of God. She is a proud Mom to Jessica, Jennifer, Jillian and their Golden Doodle, Riley.
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