If we are going to live in Jamaica, we are at least going to the beach. The beaches that most tourists frequent are on the northern coast, littered with resorts catered to the American palette. Boardwalk beach may not be one of the top beaches in the world, but it’s the one that’s home now.
Cabanas made from tree trunks and thatch. Our only companions the local fisherman tending to their nets and three stray dogs dozing under our chairs. The coast is thick with dense seaweed; sparking turquoise water just out of reach.
I think I know why the Holy Spirit is likened to wind. The air carried from the Blue Mountains, kissing the white caps of the Caribbean Sea and faithful in its delivery to the southern shore bring peace. There’s something about standing tall atop sand and staring in the face of creation. It’s not glamorous or manicured or worthy of a resort, but it is raw in the way it honors its Creator, unashamed of His design. The mountains faithfully stand, the water continually follows in its pattern and refreshing wind in covenant with the sun to provide balance. I’d say that most of us are more like Boardwalk Beach than we’ll ever look like Ocho Rios or Montego Bay.
After a few hours of much needed grounding and relaxation, we resumed our typical routine of figuring out how the heck to build a life in Jamaica. Later to find out that beach we just found has a nearby saltwater lake. The home of a large population of aggressive, crocodiles. Crocodiles that love the dense seaweed and saltwater where I stood eyes fixed on the horizon, never questioning the ground beneath my feet.
And so, Boardwalk Beach is an even greater metaphor than I even thought. Strong, camouflaged enemies lurk in our midst, seeking to devour us. But in the peace of God, there is authority. In the wind of the Holy Spirit there is boldness. In the face of enemies, there is protection, provision and peace.
For although he was crucified as a “weakling”, now he lives robed with God’s power. And we also are “weak ones” in our co-crucifixion with him, but now we live in God’s triumphant power together with him, which is demonstrated on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 13:4
Sometimes our enemies are magnified and can’t be ignored. Like being in a foreign place, homesick and blinded by selfishness. Sometimes our enemies are like crocodiles that we didn’t even know existed. But in either case, no matter how aware, there is life-saving power in Christ.
The Christian life is not one of no problems. In fact, the beauty of following Jesus is the complete brokenness we all live with. Our need for him is desperate. And the more we recognize this, the greater affection we have. And a greater expectation for Him to show us exactly who He is.
“But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness. ” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Peace of Jamaica 