Swimming in the Deep End

Ezekiel 47:5

Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.

Many times when you read those positive business books you find phrases that are similar to this weeks title. You will also see the words, “take the road less travelled”.
These sayings convey the thought that to be a leader you must be living out there on the edge. You are not playing it safe but taking risks for success.

As we look at men who have been successful, men who have invented something or have made some great discovery we find individuals who went against the crowds of humanity. Where would we be today if someone had not sailed pasted “the edge of the world,” as some thought?

As I looked last week, at my son swimming, in the deep end; I was reminded that the swimming pool is less crowded there. The mountaintop is empty in comparison to base camp. Why are we mostly drawn to stay in the safety of the crowd? Why do we not want to stand out and be different?

As we look at scripture we see men like Joseph, Daniel, his 3 Hebrew friends and men like Paul of the New Testament. These were men who were not afraid to be at the front. They stood out from the crowd.

To swim in the deep end or to climb that mountain you need confidence, courage, determination and strength. These things come through a total belief and reliance upon God. To be in the will of God is not a crowded area. To be in that place where God wants you starts with small steps. It is the steps of reading His word, of prayer, of witnessing and obeying Him in the small tasks. It is through these small activities that we grow stronger and our confidence and courage increases.

As we continue in this year let us move from the “TADPOLES” (Beginners – Swimming class) to the “SHARKS” (for children who can swim 2 lengths or 50m)

On the Omagh Leisure Centre web site it says, “JUMP IN AND JOIN!... TAKE THE PLUNGE!”

Go ahead and move into the less crowded area and swim in God’s will in the deep end.