"Those who go down to the sea and do business in great waters shall see the works of God" (Psalm 107:23).

When you were a child, perhaps you may have gone to the ocean for a vacation. I recall wading out until the waves began crashing on my knees. As long as I could stand firm, the waves were of no concern to me. However, as I moved farther and farther into the ocean, the less control I had over my ability to stand. Sometimes the current was so strong it moved me down the beach, and I even lost my bearings at times as to where I was. I have never gone so far into the ocean that I was not able to control the situation.

Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we see the works of God.

The scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel that changed the world, not the words themselves. The power wasn't seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works. Otherwise, many of us would never see the works of God.

Sometimes God takes us into the deep waters of life for an extended period of time. Joseph was taken into deep waters of adversity for seventeen years. Rejected by his brothers, enslaved to Pharaoh, and being imprisoned were the deep waters for Joseph. During those deep waters, he experienced dreams, a special anointing of his gifts to administrate, and great wisdom beyond his years. The deep water was preparation for a task that was so great he could never have imagined it. He was to see the works of God more clearly than anyone in his generation. God had too much at stake for a thirty-year-old to mess it up. So, He took him through the deep waters of preparation to ensure His man would survive what God was about to do. Pride normally engulfs such young servants with such access to power at such a young age.

If God chooses to take us into deep waters, it is for a reason. The greater the calling, the deeper the water. Trust in His knowledge that your deep waters are preparation to see the works of God in your life.