I watched, amused, as people ran up the stairs of the stadium, dragging their bags, cameras and crying babies. Some had an awkward smile on their faces; others looked surprised to have found themselves completely soaked. Still others did not seem to have found much entertainment in getting wet. I glanced at the opposite side of the arena and realized that the seats that were so coveted before the beginning of the show sat empty now. Shamu and her friends had put on their best fin forward and indeed drowned everyone sitting on the first 20 rows of the stadium. I’m not sure which part of the show was more amusing: The killer whales’ pirouettes or the diverse reactions of their soaked victims.
The people who ran away from the wet seats may have had different reactions to Shamu’s playful performance; however they all had one thing in common: They were all warned in advance that they would get wet.
“Soak Zone”, the signs cautioned.
Yet, as you watched their countenance while running away from the water range, you would have thought they had no idea it was coming.
That amusing sight made me think of how we often react to God’s warning signs to us.
I can go back to many “first impression” moments in my past and realize that I missed the “You’re about to get soaked” sign countless times. Can you relate?
It may have been that person that you should have never befriended.
Or the guy you should have never dated.
It may have been the business deal that you were not comfortable with…
Or that strange feeling on the pit of your stomach telling you to back off…
Over and over again have my first impressions proven right. And yet, I dismissed them several times in the past.
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative–that is, the Holy Spirit–he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” John 14:26
When Jesus asked the Father to send us the Helper, we received the most amazing life tool anyone could ever ask for. The Holy Spirit is indeed our Helper as we navigate through life’s trials and make difficult decisions. It is the Holy Spirit who comforts us when we are hurting and guides us to discern and understand the Scriptures.
But there is another very important assignment that this amazing Friend was given.
He is also the voice that warns us when we are about to get in a dangerous or compromising situation. Because He is God’s love and God’s Knowledge, He knows exactly where each path we take will lead us. And He is always there to show us where to go… and which situations and places to avoid.
So, next time you feel that uneasiness in the depth of your soul about a person, a place or a decision you are about to make, I dare you to stop. And before you choose to disregard the “Soak Zone” sign, remember that the Holy Spirit knows exactly what you will find when you get there. There is a reason for the lack of peace. It’s not intuition. Not if you are a child of God! It is God the Spirit, warning you that there is danger… or unpleasant circumstances ahead.
Remember: It is the peace that surpasses all understanding that is the “GO” sign. Don’t move unless you have that.
Want to stay dry?
Stay out of the Soak Zone! Read the Spirit’s sign and live in the warmth of His presence!
Verses to Meditate:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John 16:13
