As I awoke this morning a very vivid dream flooded my thoughts. I had to grab my laptop and type it all down so I would not forget it, and I wanted to share it with you. The dream started by me shuffling through the shallow water of the ocean in order to refrain from stepping on one of the many stingrays that hide in the sand along that ridge awaiting their meal for the day.
I used this time to focus uninterruptedly on God’s will for my day. I was alone in the water, and only a few people power-walked in the damp sand that bordered the ocean. Several more scattered across the sandy landscape on blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the vitamins and warmth from the sun.
A few moments later, I sensed that I was not alone. I turned slightly, and to my joyful surprise, Jesus was right there next to me. I could not speak, but I soaked up His peaceful presence with a slight query in my mind as to why He was there physically and not just settled within my spirit as usual.
At that second, He revealed the reason for His presence. “A tsunami is heading in this direction, and I would not leave you alone to navigate this coming trial. Do you trust me?” I responded, “Lord, You know that I trust You. It is a way of life for me.” He smiled into my eyes and nodded His head.
We walked together in silence as His joy and peace saturated every cell of my body. In a short while, He spoke again. “Would you rather hold my hand, or snuggle in my arms?” I had to laugh. “You know my favorite place is to hide under the shadow of Your wings.”
He responded, “I cannot hide You from this trial, dear one. The coming tragedy is eminent and violent.” With fear threatening to choke the words from my throat, I replied, “Then I choose to snuggle in Your everlasting arms, thank You.” He took my hand, and we strolled a bit further through the shallows.
That is when I heard a slight roar in the distance, and I saw a huge wall of water heading from the depths of the ocean toward the shore. I turned to look into His eyes, and He picked me up in His arms. Peace flooded my soul, and a warm, calm feeling infused every nerve in my body.
Even as the wall of raging water descended upon us, I had no doubt that I was safe in the arms of my Savior, Redeemer, and Lord. As I nestled my head against His chest, I murmured, “Thank You for suffering so much during Your lifetime and for forgiving my transgressions and adopting me into Your family.”
As if I could hear His voice, He stated, “You know the struggle I went through in the Garden of Gethsemane, but I can honestly say, it was my privilege to offer this same free gift to every person in the whole world throughout every generation.”
Puzzled, I admitted to Him, “I do not understand how anyone can reject Your irresistible grace.” He proclaimed, “It is their pride and rebellion, but I never condemn anyone. They have a free will, and it is their choice whether or not to believe in me” (John 3:18).
Covered by tons of raging water all around us, He reminded me, “Fear not, for I am with You” (Isaiah 41:10-13). This treacherous event continued for what felt to me like a lifetime. However, no negative emotions trouble my soul. I drew my life and my comfort from His secure cuddle.
In what was probably only a few moments, the wall of water passed us and crashed onto the beach. I prayed for those who were on the beach with me that morning and the town that was certainly under swirls of angry seawater as I prayed.
Death is part of life, and I do not know why God safely carried me that day, but His abiding peace never left me for the remainder of my service to Him on this earth. This same security awaits you as well. He is only a prayer away.
