Friday, March 30, 2012

Whale Watching


John 8:36
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.  


Think about the biggest creature existing on this earth today and you're probably picturing an elephant or bigger still, a whale. The California Grays delight us this time of the year with their migration back to the cold waters of the North after spending time in the warmer waters down South, where the females gave birth. This week, three stories of these whales caught my attention. Trapped in fish netting, a burden that weighed them down, surfacing to breathe became an effort; even threatening their life. Two stories ended with a successful rescue; the net cut away from the struggling mammals.  One whale was not so lucky.

Rescuers attempt to untangle a fishing net from the fluke of a California gray whale off the coast of Southern California. Photo Credit: dolphinsafari.com.
 Even when we are feeling strong and powerful in our journey with the Lord, something can move into our path and cause us to slow down, even struggle to find God's breath. Experiencing this in my life with the loss of a house to a fire and even more tragically, the death of my oldest son four years later, I know what it feels like to be pulled down into the deep abyss and wonder if you will ever have the strength again to breach the surface and move forward.

It took a team of experienced rescuers to cut away at the net that wrapped around the tail of these awesome creatures.  It also took some time and patience, but eventually, the whale swam free, surfacing and blowing out as if to thank those that came along side.

Your Heavenly Father sees your struggle and He knows your burden. Trust Him that He will send the Holy Spirit to carefully cut away the net of hurt that holds us back from our purpose.  Sometimes the Spirit uses an experienced team, the Body of Christ to assist. What a blessing when we can look back and testify in thanksgiving what being "set free" really means.

Lord, I thank you today that though I have struggled with burdens that weighed on my heart and slowed me down for a season, your Holy Spirit came to my rescue and allowed me the grace to venture into the deep of your love and mercy, set free to continue the journey. Amen.

F.Y.I:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/whaletrappedinnet-144309275.html

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/oc-orange-county-whale-trapped-net-fishing-dolphinsafari-144803985.html


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/dead-whale-long-beach.html

1 comment:

  1. Lovely post, really enjoyed comparing the whales' rescues to the Lord's rescue of us. Really shows how being patient with God's plan pays off.

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