Riptides and Relationships
/How do you handle riptides? Riptides - more accurately named rip currents - are strong, narrow currents that happen when water that’s been trapped between an underwater sand bar and the shore gives way and pushes back out to sea. We’ve all been warned of how dangerous it is to get caught in a riptide. Recall ongoing reminders from parents and people hammering in our heads not to fight or try to swim back to shore but to go with our natural instincts. Lessons learned the hard way resonate as one lost in a riptide struggles to swim parallel to the shore, get out of the current, swim back to safety and rest on the sand. Many times, in the waters at the beach and in the waters of life, we fight hard and eventually rest well ...knowing the Creator of the sea was protecting you and me!
Have you ever been caught up in verbal riptide? Oh, the times our tongues have caused us to swim against all odds when our words were misconstrued and efforts to share the good news with people were misunderstood? Paul understood well such struggles as he was under constant attack for blasphemy, defiling the temple, sharing God’s Word and ways, and seeking to make believers of those caught up in riptides of false gods and teachings.
When Paul was Saul, he killed Christians and kept a close eye on those who professed their love for God. On the road to Damascus, Saul was blinded when a riptide turned his world inside out and tossed him into a place where God would rescue and raise him up to serve the Lord with all HIs heart, soul, and mind. Paul grew into a strong supporter who gave his best in service to God. He made people aware of the urgency to serve the Lord with gladness, spread the good news gospel powerfully, and wrote letters to encourage and edify the church. Paul shared how God pulled him from riptides and plopped him in places to proclaim how great is our God. Through persecution and problems, Paul and his faithful mentees prevailed wherever they traveled on land or sea.
In Acts 24:33 Paul was caught in a verbal riptide when a Roman commander had him arrested for causing an uproar over blasphemy and bringing Gentiles into the temple. If Paul hadn’t been arrested he could have been beaten to death by Jews who believed they were the only ones fervent for God. Poor Paul caught grief from all sides: Romans, Jews, and Gentiles!
Paul navigated riptides by swimming parallel to shore until he could find a way into the hearts and minds of those who didn’t want to listen. He never stopped seeking ways to save and show how God loves all people. The Holy Spirit used parts and pieces of Saul to help Paul rescue unbelievers from dangerous riptides. His teachings touched hearts and taught the power of believing.
When riptides plummet us into dangerous places, we can call out to God for courage to handle whatever is pulling us away from Him with wisdom and words that He will provide.
