The God Who Rescues From Deep Waters Series

THE GOD WHO RESCUES FROM DEEP WATERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 69:1-3

Key Verse:

“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.” — Psalm 18:16

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 66:12; Jonah 2:1-6; Matthew 14:28-31; Exodus 14:21-30

INTRODUCTION

In Scripture, deep waters symbolise overwhelming troubles: situations that threaten to drown faith, hope, peace, and even life itself. These waters represent moments when problems rise above human capacity and survival seems uncertain.

Many believers experience seasons where challenges are not shallow but deep: intense, prolonged, and suffocating. These seasons test faith, prayer life, and trust in God. Yet the Bible consistently reveals a God who specialises in rescue, not abandonment.

This message declares that no depth of trouble is beyond God’s reach. Whether the waters came suddenly or gradually, whether caused by obedience or error, God remains the One who reaches into the deepest waters to rescue His own.

1. DEEP WATERS REPRESENT OVERWHELMING AFFLICTIONS

Deep waters reflect seasons where pressure is intense and escape seems impossible.

Understanding the nature of deep waters prevents panic and restores spiritual clarity.

a) Deep waters symbolise severe distress. (Psalm 69:1–2)

David cried out because trouble had reached his soul, showing emotional and spiritual overwhelm.

b) Troubles can rise beyond human strength. (Psalm 66:12)

Fire and water describe trials that test endurance and faith.

c) Deep waters can come suddenly. (Exodus 14:10–12)

Israel faced the Red Sea unexpectedly with enemies behind them.

d) Deep waters may last for a season. (Jonah 2:5-6)

Jonah remained trapped until divine mercy intervened.

Biblical Example:

The children of Israel stood helpless before the Red Sea, surrounded by danger, yet God turned the waters into a path of deliverance.

2. GOD NEVER ABANDONS HIS PEOPLE IN DEEP WATERS

Presence, not absence, defines God’s character in crises.

God’s assurance remains firm even when circumstances appear hostile.

a) God promises companionship in trouble. (Isaiah 43:2)

God declares He will be present even when waters are deep.

b) Divine presence prevents destruction. (Psalm 23:4)

God’s nearness transforms danger into safety.

c) God watches even when He seems silent. (Psalm 34:19)

Many afflictions do not cancel divine oversight.

d) Delay does not equal the denial of rescue. (Habakkuk 2:3)

God’s rescue arrives at the appointed time.

Biblical Example:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not saved from fire but were preserved within it because God was present (Daniel 3:24-25).

3. GOD SENDS DIVINE RESCUE FROM ABOVE

Rescue comes by divine intervention, not human ingenuity.

When God acts, salvation becomes sudden and undeniable.

a) God initiates rescue at the right moment. (Psalm 18:16)

Rescue is heaven-initiated, not human-engineered.

b) God rescues without consultation. (Exodus 14:13-14)

He fights battles His people cannot fight.

c) God’s rescue defies natural laws. (Psalm 77:16-20)

Waters part when God steps in.

d) God rescues to restore praise and testimony. (Psalm 40:2-3)

Deliverance leads to new songs and restored joy.

Biblical Example:

Jonah cried from the belly of the fish, and God commanded the fish to release him, proving no environment can imprison God’s mercy.

4. FAITH AND CRYING OUT TO GOD PROVOKE RESCUE

God responds to desperate faith-filled cries.

Calling upon God invites supernatural attention.

a) Crying out activates divine response. (Psalm 34:6)

God hears sincere desperation.

b) Faith keeps believers afloat in deep waters. (Matthew 14:29-31)

Peter sank when he doubted, not when waves rose.

c) Obedience sustains rescue after deliverance. (Exodus 14:31)

Trust in God is strengthened post-deliverance.

d) God rescues to strengthen future faith. (2 Corinthians 1:10)

Past deliverance builds confidence for future trials.

Biblical Example:

Peter cried, “Lord, save me,” and immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and lifted him above the waters.

CONCLUSION

No matter how deep the waters look today, God remains the Master of rescue. Waters that threaten destruction are powerless before His command. He reaches into the lowest depths to lift His people.

As you trust Him, call upon Him, and stand in faith, divine rescue will locate you. What was meant to drown you will become proof that the God you serve rescues from deep waters.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, rescue me from every overwhelming situation in my life.

2. Lord, intervene in every matter that has risen above my strength.

3. God, let Your presence preserve me in troubled waters.

4. Father, turn every crisis into a testimony of deliverance.

5. Lord, silence every storm threatening my peace.

6. God, stretch forth Your hand and lift me above my troubles.

7. Father, restore my joy after this season of pressure.

8. Lord, strengthen my faith in times of adversity.

9. God, let deep waters not swallow my destiny.

10. Father, glorify Yourself through my deliverance.