Deliverance from Puddles - Martin Wiles

He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. Psalm 18:16-17 NKJV

Spring showers caused them to pop up everywhere.

My grandmother called them mud puddles. Living in the flatlands of South Carolina, I was accustomed to seeing them after a spring or summer rain. Water settled in roadside ditches, fields, and in low places in dirt driveways until it had time to soak in the ground. And as the puddles waited to soak in or be drawn into the atmosphere by the sun, my cousin and I were nearby waiting to play in them.

Nothing was finer than removing our shoes and wading in mud puddles or running through them—at which point our entire clothes got wet. Since the summers were hot and humid, the water on our feet and bodies felt exhilarating—until our grandmother delivered us from our game of fun.

Our dalliances in the mud and water meant she’d have to wash clothes—and us. And there was no telling what might be lounging beneath the puddles that lay beside the road. Ringworms or other parasites, jagged glass, and tin cans come to mind. All recipes for a trip to the doctor or emergency room.

As our grandmother drew us from our playing in shallow waters which carried potentially dangerous risks, so the psalmist said God drew him out of many waters that represented the many enemies trying to harm him.

For the believer, opposition is natural. It’s explained by the presence of light and darkness. We walk in the light while those who ignore God choose darkness. According to Jesus, light and darkness don’t mesh. Darkness will always oppose the light because light exposes its dastardly intentions.

Though unfavorable, God is sovereign over any opposition I face. Even if it brings unfathomable consequences or ends in my demise, He is still in control. He is forever greater than any opposition I face.

Opposition also confirms my identity. Jesus said if His enemies persecuted Him they would also torment His followers. Christian history is filled with the truth of His statement. Light hates darkness and reacts against it.

Comforting, however, is the thought that one day all opposition against the truth will be brought under the full authority of Christ’s reign. Believers living in the new heaven and earth won’t experience it because all forces of sin will have been eliminated.

Puddles of opposition may be numerous, but God will deliver you from them all. 

Prayer: Father, thank You for the privilege of suffering for Your name. We take comfort in knowing You will deliver us through or from the puddles of opposition. 

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