Life Jackset For The Storms Of Life

If you’ve lived in Michigan long enough, you know how fast the weather can change. One minute, blue skies and calm winds… the next, clouds rolling in and the wind kicking up.

Step onto Lake Michigan, and it can shift even quicker. Calm waters one moment, then suddenly you’re staring down 4–6 foot waves, holding on for dear life.

That picture made us think, what about the storms in our own lives? The ones that show up out of nowhere. What do we grab when we feel like we’re going under? What is our life jacket?

Where are the life jackets in your life? On a plane, a cruise ship, or a fishing boat, one of the first things you want to know is where the life jackets are. Not just that they exist, but where to find them, and how quickly you can reach for them when things get rough. Life jackets give buoyancy and keep us afloat when the waters turn against us. Spiritually, emotionally, and relationally, we all need them.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”—Isaiah 43:2

God Himself is our constant life jacket. He is always present, always holding us up, and never leaving us to sink.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”—Deuteronomy 31:8

Why do we need life jackets for daily life?

Protection: They keep us from sinking. They protect us from despair and hopelessness. They remind us that even when the storm is fierce, we have something secure to hold onto. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have the ultimate life jacket, salvation, grace, and strength when life feels overwhelming.

Hope: A life jacket gives us confidence that we will reach the other side. Without hope, we drift aimlessly. With hope in Christ, we find renewed strength.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”—Isaiah 40:31

Support: Sometimes, God calls us to be life jackets for others. When the waves toss friends or family, our encouragement, our listening ear, and our prayers help hold them up.

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”—Matthew 25:40

A challenge for the week: Gentlemen, take a survey of your life:

• Do you know where your life jackets are?

• Are you ready to put yours on when the storm comes?

• Who around you needs you to be their life jacket this week?

Our prayer is, Lord, help us recognize You as our constant life jacket. Give us strength to hold firm in the storms, and eyes to see where we can step in and support others who are struggling. May no man feel adrift this week without hope.

Have a great week, men.

Jeremy and Bill