“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm ...” Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV)
Recently my family and I were at a water park celebrating my husband’s birthday. After much protesting, I found myself going down a water slide alarmingly fast. This situation would not be so bad except … I don’t know how to swim.
As I exited the slide, I expected my body to slip safely into a puddle. Instead, I found myself fully submerged underwater. I panicked, flailing my arms and legs frantically.
This is it. This is how it’s going to end!
From underwater, I heard the lifeguard’s whistle. Then I saw an arm reach down and heroically pull me up to safety. Breathing heavily, I thanked the lifeguard, who was looking at me strangely.
“All you had to do was stand,” he said. He pointed to the “3 feet” inscription on the side of the pool. I was drowning in 3 feet of water!
Isn’t that how life is sometimes? We feel overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists, unruly or rebellious children, a spouse who doesn’t understand us, relationships that suddenly go awry, or a constantly messy house. We feel like we cannot cope. We may not even be able to explain it. We just feel overwhelmed, like we’re drowning in challenges and heartaches we didn’t expect.
But in the midst of it all, we have a Lifeguard who is ready to rescue us. Imagine God looking at you and saying, I’ve given you everything you need. Just stand.
Ephesians 6:13-14 declares, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm …”
Today, be encouraged as you remember these truths:
No matter how unqualified you feel, with God, you are well-equipped.
No matter how fast you seem to be sliding down the slippery slope of life, with God, you don’t have to despair.
No matter how overwhelming life’s challenges feel, with God, you will not drown.
Friend, God has given you and me everything we need for victory against the enemy’s schemes. All we have to do is stand on His Word.
Stand on God’s promise that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NIV).
Stand on Jesus’ command to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).
Stand on the truth that God will “fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4, NIV).
Let’s declare it with our mouths and believe it in our hearts. After you’ve done all you can, just stand on Him!
Lord, even though I sometimes get easily overwhelmed, thank You for always being there and never leaving or forsaking me. Continuously remind me that through the power of Your Word, You have equipped me well for this journey. No matter what comes my way, may I stand on Your promises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in everything life is throwing at you? When you download your free guide, “Truths for When You Feel Like You’re Drowning,” you’ll discover how to pause, steady your heart, and anchor yourself in God’s Truth. This one-page resource will help you shift from panic to peace and remind you that God has already equipped you to stand. Click here to get your copy.
For more encouragement and resources to help you grow in faith and walk confidently in your calling, connect with Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien at www.flowtopower.com or follow her on Instagram.
Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (NIV).
John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV).
In what area of your life do you seem to become easily overwhelmed? How can you stand on God’s Word during those overwhelming moments? Share with us in the comments!
© 2026 by Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien. All rights reserved.
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