Some Morning Thoughts –Moving Forward When You Feel Like You’re Just Keeping Your Head Above Water –

Moving Forward When You Feel Like You’re Just Keeping Your Head Above Water
Pastor Calvin Cook –
May 5, 2025
Scripture: “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

There are seasons in life when it feels as if moving forward feels less like a steady walk and more like a desperate swim — like we’re barely keeping our head above water. The waves of life: responsibility, grief, stress, or uncertainty push against us, and all we can think about is survival, or not drowning and certainly not about moving forward. I remember reading a story one time about a man with a goal to swim across a lake. Half way across he became tired and weary, fatigue set in. Instead of continuing to swim he swam back to the shore where he started from. Is that where we all are? Maybe we are well on our way to completion of a certain goal or task, or completing what the Holy Spirit is calling us to and shaping us for, yet we keep returning from what we left behind when the first bit of weariness, fatigue, or doubt sets in.

But here’s the good news: God doesn’t just call us to survive — He calls us to thrive. The Apostle Paul writes today’s scripture to the struggling Philippian church from a prison cell. Paul’s words encourage us today to forget what’s behind and strain toward what is ahead. Notice, he doesn’t say it’s easy. He doesn’t say the road is always calm. He uses words like pressing, straining, reaching — words that should encourage us even when it’s hard.

I have never been a good swimmer, but I did learn how to float, even able to doggie paddle a bit, not much like enjoyable swimming, more like staying afloat. But I also am learning that Jesus meets me and all of us in the water. Like He did with Peter walking on the waves (Matthew 14:29-31), Jesus reaches out His hand when we begin to sink. And like a lifeguard he rescues us if we are willing to receive. Jesus is shaping us — building endurance, strengthening faith, and teaching us to trust His voice over the roar of the waves. Again, if we are willing to listen and receive.

Today, take a deep breath. Remember that you are not alone in the water. Let Jesus’ grace carry you. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just keep moving forward, one stroke, one breath, one prayer at a time. This is what “God will make a way, when there seems to be no way” means! But make sure you keep your eyes; heart mind and soul fixed on Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord, when life feels overwhelming and I’m struggling to keep my head above water, remind me that You are near. Help me press forward, even when I feel weak. Teach me to trust that You are with me in every wave, and lead me into the life You have prepared for me. Amen.