When life gives you something to think about, you let your mind wander. So what happens when life throws a “bad” thing in your way? You sink or you swim. But while you struggle to decide what to do, your mind thinks of what equation to use to examine how what happened, happened. You retrace your steps almost as if you’re trying to think of a way to undo what’s already been done. Then you rationalize. You think to yourself that there is a reason for this, maybe you blame somebody else, maybe you blame yourself, or maybe you blame God.
Two of my favorite things are literature and theology. I then put them together to make an intimidating combination. My recent read, or reread, is William Shakespear’s Julius Ceasar. Now as daunting as this play is, there is a famous quote said that happens to be my favorite quote in all of the literature I have read. When Brutus and Cassius are discussing the final stages of the civil war, Brutus is met with other opinions on how to go about the next phase. He goes on to say, “there is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.”
What this means is that when opportunity arises, it does not stay forever. You can lose it by waiting too long. The literal meaning behind the quote is that ships need a high tide to leave and to enter so by not seizing the high tide, duties are delayed. Brutus uses this analogy to explain that defeat comes when an opportunity is met with hesitation. And in their situation, losing the war is a possibility if they don’t take the best opportunity given.
This quote can be met Biblically with Revelation 14:12 “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” Then, to compliment this belief, Ephesians 5:11 says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” That’s some heavy stuff. So, how does the quote fit with these scriptures? Like this. (side note: if you’re reading this and don’t know the Lord, that’s okay! Still the same message :))
Let’s take a piece of my story and make fit it in these examples: My depression. When I first really experienced my demons in my mind, it was addicting. Depression was that type of thing to me where it was SO bad that it was so good. I mean, sleeping all day, skipping school, getting into some trouble, the foundation of where all this stuff came from was horrible but the actions themselves seemed normal and fine. There was a deeper root to the sleepless nights and 12 hour sleep filled days. Looking back now, I can’t believe I made it out. Just one year ago I didn’t think I would be where I am today.
I was approached by God in a moment of utter despair, a fresh faced Man called my name. Like, for real. Jesus, Son of God, appeared to me. A man I hadn’t really given much thought to as the demons ran rampant in my head, offered to help me turn the tide. He didn’t say HE was going to do it, but He would help me do it myself. He was my hope, reaching out His hand like a father would reach out to his daughter. Now the Shakespear quote has the meaning of opportunity not lasting forever, even with Jesus in my case, it’s true. You know that saying, “on your last leg?” Well, I was on my last freakin toe. It was life or death and this opportunity had to be taken.
So, I jumped, it was sink or swim. And man I doggie paddled the heck to Jesus. There is a tide in the affairs of man, and keeping the endurance to keep going is what will turn the tide. To keep going is to move forward, and to move forward is to swim. That, leads on to fortune. After I conquered the great enemy at the time, which was my mind, it was time for me to expose that darkness. I was no longer a slave to depression, the shackles were gone, but the battle wasn’t won yet. It was time for me to stand on my two feet and rise up against that darkness and expose those “unfruitful works.” Believer or not, turn the freaking tide with the strength you were given by God and defeat the common enemy of both believer and non. Depression, hopelessness, the dark. Here is your opportunity if you’ve been waiting for one. Stand up, swim, fight.
You won’t regret finding the fortune which Brutus speaks about. Think about what fortune you’re waiting for, whether it be to get through the dark, to move onto the next season of life, standing up for yourself, moving on, or finding who you truly are. The intimidation can be conquered. Don’t rationalize, don’t hesitate to “carpe diem.” You’re life does not belong to the enemy, here is your call for endurance. Turn your tide.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Aleena’s Journey 