"If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all." Isaish 7:9 Holman CSB
I remember hanging out at the neighborhood pool during the summertime. It never seemed to lack an abundance of screaming children running, jumping and having fun. Jumping off the lower diving board was a top thriller. Yet, all of the excitement seemed to be at the high diving board. Each time I would gaze at the higher diving board, I would feel a turning in my stomach.
One morning on the way to the pool, my sisters and I were just filled with so much energy and excited. The sun was very bright and we were feeling fearless. I told myself, “This Is The Day!’ And soon after that thought, my stomach began to turn. I had thoughts of not being able to come back up, forgetting how to breathe, hurting myself upon entry to the water, the lifeguard going on break.
Once I was in the pool, I immediately went where there wasn’t a waiting line….the lower diving board. I noticed all the excitement at the higher diving board. The line was long and the kids were patient. So, I breathed deeply and walked slowly to the line. I engaged in lively conversation and felt confident of my decision to jump. As I got closer to the ladder the excitement almost overtook me. I climbed a rung at a time waiting patiently for my turn.
Once I got to the top and there were no more rungs…I looked around the pool area. The water was shimmering. The area around the pool seemed vast. The water seemed deeper than it probably was. And in that moment a surge of fear captivated my whole body. I couldn’t do it! So I turned around to go back down the ladder. My decision was met with kids who refuse to go back down the ladder in order for me to climb down. I was angry, scared and in disbelief!
After looking on all sides for options, I knew the only way to get off the diving board was to jump. The kids started to yell words of encouragement. “You can do it!” “Don’t be scared!” It’s not that high!” I felt empowered and I was not longer mad at them for holding me hostage on that board.
I walked slowly to the edge….held my breath and jumped! My entry into the water was magnificent! I came out of the water hearing cheers of little kids who were so happy for me. It was exhilarating. And I found myself thinking, “I should have tried this sooner!” I wiped my face with my towel and got back in line….to the higher diving board!
Sometimes the feat looks greater than what it really is. I want to leave you with encouragement today…
• Seek the Lord in all that you do.
• Encourage yourself
• Surround yourself with positive people who won’t let you give up.
• Be open to encouragement from others.
• Believe and have faith.
• Then Jump! In the name of Jesus
Prayer: Dear Lord, in those moments when I believe I can’t, I know you can. I know Lord you did not give me a spirit of fear. I praise you for the little reminder that I am more than a conqueror. Your word reminds me that You will never forsake or leave me. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus Name. Amen
