WEEK ONE: FOR ETERNITY

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go Jet Skiing in the Caribbean Sea. We started out in a lagoon where we rode for a few minutes to get accustomed to the machine, and then we headed out into the ocean for an island tour. The lagoon displayed smooth, bright blue water that was easy and enjoyable to ride around on. However, venturing out into the ocean was quite another story. As we headed further out, we soon came to a place where the waves coming off of the ocean were breaking. At this point, our smooth, enjoyable ride became a choppy, thrown-about event with waves pounding our Jet Ski, throwing water over our heads and into our faces. Sometimes it was so heavy that you couldn’t see anything until you got through the wave (which was usually just in time to brace for the next one).

In the orientation before we began our ride, our guide told us to expect the waves. They also told us that the tendency for most people was to let up on the throttle when it got very tumultuous, but this was exactly opposite of what we should do. We were instructed to instead hold the throttle open because, in doing so, we were allowing the machine to do what it was designed to do and carry us through the waves. To let off the throttle, we were risking being tossed off (or worse, allowing the wave to flip our vehicle). I wanted nothing more than to stay on that craft so, despite what I felt like doing, I stayed on the throttle, pushed through the waves, and then got to enjoy the rest of the tour.

Life can be like that tour. It is easy to get tossed around or to feel adrift and lost. You are getting pounded by waves that you are fighting against, and it’s possible you can’t even see what is in front of you. And just as you come through one difficulty, another is right there waiting to hit you too. Our tendency may be to let up, give up, or quit. We let off the throttle.

As we go into 2025, let this be a year of staying on the throttle when it comes to our relationship with God. Let’s commit to growing deeper to become better followers of Jesus. Let’s go deeper in knowing God’s Word, studying God’s Word, and spending more time in prayer. Let’s strengthen our love for God. Let’s allow God to magnify his power through our lives.

Yes, the waves of life are going to come and they are going to be harsh. But just like the waves on that sea, they are only temporary. They will pass… but what is coming is eternal and permanent. Let’s live our lives for that.