Deep Waters - Kumura Triathlon

training run at Tutukaka

Hillsong United has recently released a song to which I've taken a liking entitled, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)".  I have found the bridge and beginning line in verse #2 to be especially challenging and appropriate:

 "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders [. . .]"

" Your grace abounds in deepest waters [. . .]"

(You can read the rest of the lyrics below.) This song likens the life of faith in Christ to the ocean, filled with depth and uncertainty, mystery and miracles - an experience where our feet may fail to get us across the sea.  Walking in self-sufficiency will never do.

Kai Iwi lakes from above

This applies not only to the spiritual realm, but the physical as well. Silly as it sounds, I know that God's grace does indeed abound even when I find myself in deep waters, literally.  Tomorrow I will compete in the 'Kumura Triathlon', a race for which I have been training months.  It incorporates a long-distance swim, bike ride and run around a real gem of the Northland's west cost, "Kai Iwi Lakes".  

I am very familiar with the lake in which I will be swimming, in awe of its beauty and white sand beach. . . yet keenly aware of its depth and cold temperature.   It is a place where feet may fail.  There's no stopping and walking, no resting, no recalibrating until you get to the other side, 1 kilometre later.  I'm a strong swimmer and have always loved the water, but have to admit that the blackness of the deep beneath me causes a small bit of nervousness.  But even there, God's grace shows up and abounds. . .in deepest waters.  So in a very literal sense I'm expecting God's grace to meet me there and get me to the next task. . . the 20KM cycle  . . .and then onto the 10KM run to finish it all off.   The hills may be grueling and the terrain unstable, but what fun would it be if everything were smooth and comfortable, right?

I'll be sure to post photos when I survive it all!



Verse #1
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown, where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep, my faith will stand

Chorus:
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours, and You are mine

Verse #2
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed, and You won't start now

Chorus:

Bridge:
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

Ending:
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours, and You are mine
I am Yours, and You are mine
I am Yours, and You are mine
I am Yours, and You are mine