There was a group of tourists who visited a beautiful island resort. As impulsive as you get on holiday, they decided to go skydiving. It was a sunny, warm day and the conditions were perfect for the occasion. Excitement high! Adrenaline pumping! They all jumped. Passengers on a cruiseship marveled at the brave tourists and watched as one after the other parachute opened in a whirl of unfolding color. But there was one that didn't open.
The skydiver was hurling down towards the cruise ship at an alarming speed and DOOF, he hit the deck of the ship and slammed straight through. DOOF, through the second deck! DOOF the third! And finally hit the last deck of the ship in the engine room. The passengers ran down to see what happened and as they came to the last deck, there stood the skydiver, dusting himself off. They were in shock and asked him how it is at all possible that he survived the fall? He smiled and said: 'Well, I've been through hardships before..."
I just adore this joke told by a pastor I have the utmost respect for. Since I've heard it, I've reminded myself so many times that it doesn't matter what hardships I endure, I can get up, dust myself off and get back in the plane to reach new highs. Each and every one of Gods children knows about hardships. Sometimes you can see it written in the lines of the wrinkles playing over a face. Sometimes it's so deep that it crisscrosses the heart with unseen scars. I faced a difficult childhood, emotional abusive relationship, the other sided of addiction and divorce. But when I glance at my past investigating the hardships I've been through, there is only one thing standing out like a red flashing beacon in the ocean of my life: the everlasting arms of |
God that caught me, carried me and placed me back on my feet when I was ready. Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."
Luckily our spiritual parachute doesn't fail that easily. I love that God lifts me up to fly on new heights of hope in Him. Experience a different sense of the atmosphere around me. A different view. A new perspective. He teaches me according to His word. Introducing me to fellow "skydivers" and venturing on new endeavors with Him. I love that He gives me a colorful parachute of Hope and I can just ease my way into where He needs me. |
(Sometimes. I often still crash land.) The breath of His guidance is the wind steering me in the direction He intended for me. With the knowledge that He is eternal, when I'm falling and parachute failing (or sometimes I jump without even taking it...), arms flaying and feet kicking, I will fall in the everlasting Arms of God. I might hit a deck or two, but hey... I've been through hardships before.
Love,
Iriza
Love,
Iriza