Wind, Waves and Crabs on the Beach - Encouragement Café - December 9, 2016

Wind, Waves and Crabs on the Beach
By Judy Fussel
Friday, December 9, 2016

There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.  1 John 4:18 NIV

Thirty years ago when my now 35 year old son was 5 years old, I took him to the beach.  During that time, he was going through an extremely fearful period.  Everything seemed to frighten him. 

As we neared the beach that summer, he kept saying he was not going.  We stopped for a bite before crossing over the waterway onto the island.  It was as if he had planted himself there and he was determined he was turning around to go back home. 

I am not sure how he thought he would accomplish this feat!

He was petrified of the wind and we all know how windy it is at the beach.  He was also deathly afraid that the waves were going to knock down our beachfront hotel and wash him away in the aftermath. 

A walk along the beach at night was a comedy in itself.  He wouldn’t step foot in the sand because the crabs were going to bite his feet!

Needless to say, as his loving parent, it was a stressful time for me.  Every little step was a chore as I coaxed him along.  I had the big picture that he was too young and immature to see. 

It was a matter of submission and trust and he surely wasn’t trusting in my guidance at that time.

Fear stopped him in his tracks.  All he could focus on was the danger, while I had plans to show him a great time with glorious blessings.  Neither of us enjoyed that memorable trip.  Fear robbed us both.

Sometimes I wonder how often we are like that with God, our heavenly Father.

Do we refuse to totally submit our will to His?  Do we refuse to trust in His guidance and direction? 

Are we too fearful to take the next step with Him?  Are we obedient to His commands or do we think we must look out for ourselves in the ways we think are best?

God does have the big picture.  When we have truly recognized our sinful, helpless state before almighty God and submitted our need for Christ Jesus as our Savior, we indeed become His children.  He knows exactly what we need and when we need it.  He delights in taking us places we could never even imagine.

Here are some questions to ask ourselves:

·      Will fear rob me of an exciting encounter with my God for whom all things are possible?

·      Will I trust in and seek His ways or cower in fear believing my ways are best?

Lord, You are our Creator.  You know that unhealthy fear can rob us of the life You desire for us.  Teach us to trust in Your hand of direction and guidance.  Give us strength to step out of our comfort zones that we might truly experience the wonders only You can provide.  “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)  In Christ’s Name, Amen.

© 2012 by Judy Fussell.  All rights reserved.

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