Difficult things have happened in my life that hindered my ability to trust the Lord. One day I was discussing this with my pastor, Lawrence Thompson, who was also my Paul and mentor.  He told me a story about an experience he had during World War II that helped me tremendously then and now.

He was in the Navy and was stationed on a destroyer.  One day they were attacked by Kamikaze planes and his ship was hit.  He was blown into the water.  At first he panicked and fought to stay afloat.  He soon became exhausted and knew it was impossible.  Then he remembered he had a life preserver on his back.  The teaching he received, from shipboard training, came back to him.  He had been instructed to, in case this happened, to relax and let the life preserver hold him up until he was rescued.  He followed these instructions and although he was in the water for several hours he was able to preserve his strength and even sleep.

He told me that Jesus was my life preserver.  It made sense to me and I have applied this to my life many times.  I always seem to struggle when I get in a tough situation.  Then eventually I become exhausted with trying to work it out.  Then I remember my life preserver and I relax and let Him hold me up until the situation passes or is resolved.