Walking In Deep Waters

When Victory Doesn't Look Like Victory: Finding God in Deep Waters

Sometimes the most difficult moments in our faith journey are when God's promises seem distant and His victory appears nowhere in sight. These are the times when we question whether we're truly walking in God's will, wondering if our faithfulness has been worth it.

Did Jesus Look Victorious on the Cross?

Consider this powerful question: Did Jesus look victorious hanging on the cross? To any observer, He appeared utterly defeated. His disciples had scattered and were hiding in fear. Peter was denying Him with curses. The women who remained - Mary His mother, Mary Magdalene, and a few others - watched in anguish as their hope seemed to die.

The very men called to be apostles, who would later turn cities upside down for the Gospel, were acting like cowards in the storm. They couldn't see the full plan yet. They didn't know about the resurrection that was coming.

What Does Victory Look Like When You're in the Storm?

Many of us have experienced seasons where we've asked, "Is this my reward for being faithful? Is this what I get for trusting God?" These moments test our faith because we can't see the complete picture of what God is doing.

Think about the Hebrew children leaving Egypt after 400 years of slavery. They were finally free, heading to the Promised Land of milk and honey. But then they found themselves trapped - the Red Sea in front, mountains on both sides, and Pharaoh's army behind them. At that moment, did it look victorious? Absolutely not.

Yet God's solution was simple: "Stretch out the stick." The same staff that would part the waters was the tool of their deliverance.

Why Do God's Plans Sometimes Seem Delayed?

Often, our breakthrough is delayed because of:

- Doubt and unbelief

- Enemy interference

- Spiritual warfare blocking our access to God's blessings

But worship has the power to break through these barriers. God wants to elevate us to a place where we can look down on our problems rather than feel overwhelmed by them.

Praying with Eyes on God, Not the Difficulty

Oswald Chambers wisely said, "We must pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulty." This doesn't mean ignoring our problems, but rather maintaining our focus on God's character and promises while we navigate challenging circumstances.

God's Promise for Deep Waters

Isaiah 43:1-4 provides incredible comfort for those walking through difficult seasons:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your Savior."

The Message version puts it this way: "When you are in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. And when you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end."

You Are Precious in God's Sight

God declares that He would "sell off the whole world to get you back" and "trade creation just for you." This isn't hyperbole - it's the heart of a Father who sees immense value in each of His children.

Each of us carries part of God's destiny for nations. Our words can shift cities, families, and entire bloodlines. This is why the enemy fights so hard against us - he knows the potential we carry.

The Untold Stories Behind Biblical Heroes

When we read about biblical heroes, we often see their stories condensed into a few paragraphs. But like us, they experienced days, weeks, and months of struggle. They had moments of doubt, fear, and even anger at God.

We don't always tell our complete stories either. When someone asks how we're doing, we often give a surface-level answer rather than sharing the full depth of our struggles and victories. 

*Breaking Cycles and Entering New Seasons

God is calling us to break old cycles and enter new ones:

- Break cycles of poverty, enter cycles of prosperity

- Break cycles of sorrow, enter cycles of joy

- Break cycles of discouragement, enter cycles of encouragement

The battles we face today are preparing us for the breakthrough that's coming. What we sow and do in this season will have significance for years to come.

Life Application

This week, when you find yourself in "deep waters" - whether facing financial pressure, relationship struggles, health concerns, or spiritual battles - remember that God has promised to be with you. Instead of focusing on the difficulty, intentionally shift your gaze to God's character and His promises.

Choose one verse from Isaiah 43:1-4 to memorize and declare over your situation. When fear or doubt creeps in, sing or speak this truth over yourself: "When I walk through deep waters, You are with me."

Questions for Reflection:

- What "deep waters" are you currently walking through?

- How can you shift your focus from the difficulty to God's presence with you?

- What old cycle do you need to break, and what new cycle do you want to enter?

- How might your current struggle be preparing you for a greater purpose or breakthrough?

Remember, victory doesn't always look victorious in the moment. Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when you can't see it.