I remember when my son was about eight or nine years old I had a YMCA membership. We would go to the indoor pool on the shallow end in the family pool. Next to the family pool was the lap pool that would consistently be empty even when the family pool was crowded. I asked the lifeguard one day if my son and I could go to the lap pool for more space. The answer was no because it's deep and the only way to do so is if we're both able to past the swim test. The lifeguards gave the test to make sure everyone was ready for the deep end. The Lifeguard would always be on duty but in order to make sure a person can handle the deep end, a test had to be done.
God is our lifeguard. He is always on duty, watching over us to make sure we don't drown. There are different levels in life that God wants to take us. In each level there's always going to be tests to make sure we're ready for the next. When God test us it's to let us know the level we are on. God knows what we can handle, but we don't know what we can handle.
For example, a lot of people dream about winning a lot of money, but what do they do with the money they have now? There are people that want to own a successful business but treat their current boss and coworkers horribly. They are not passing the test to treat everyone with kindness. These test don't apply to everyone but these are just some examples of tests we might take if we want to go to the next level.
The deep level requires us to depend more on God. In the shallow end of the pool if something happens, we depend on ourselves because we just stand up. Side note: I know people get hurt in the shallow end too but this is a metaphor, work with me. In the deep end, we need someone's help to save us. Depending solely on God is the ultimate test, it's the test of our faith. How deep is your faith in God?
In the Bible James 1:2-8 New International Version says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
There is a level of faith that is so deep, there will be no lack. The no lack isn't referring to physical things like money but it's talking about spiritually. No matter what is going on around us there will not be a lack of peace, joy, patience, love, kindness, all of the fruits of the spirit. This is the deep level. This is the level where God will use us to save others from drowning in the deep end.
I hope this is encouraging to you to keep the faith during tough times. Keeping the faith will make you stronger. It's going to allow you to live in the deep end with God.
Some of you reading this are thinking I'm strong enough, I've been struggling with this issue for years and nothing is changing, I'm tired. My answer: Press in to God. Remember the one woman with the issue of blood in the Bible. (last blog) She pressed her way through a crowd of people to get her healing from Jesus. Press in to Him, through anything that's trying to distract you. You can do this. There is no lack of anything on the other side.