August 3, 2016
Let Go and Trust God
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Babies fascinate me. They are so fresh from God. And have so much to learn! Think about it. Babies come into this world knowing nothing. For starters, they have to learn how to roll over, how to sit up, and eventually the biggie – learning to walk.
I had forgotten just how amazing the process of learning to walk really is until our grandson Justus reminded me. Justus was a speed crawler who could scoot along the floor almost as fast as I could walk. For the first 12 months of his life, Justus seemed content to explore the bottoms of tables and chairs, play with doorstops or inspect food crumbs on the floor.
But the day came when he was no longer satisfied to explore his world from the vantage point of his two little hands and knees, and began pulling up on various pieces of furniture. Evidently he liked what he saw, because he quickly graduated to the "One Step" method of walking.
Justus carefully pulled himself up on the living room sofa. Next came what I like to call The Toddler Shuffle as he tentatively positioned his stout and very determined little thirteen-month-old body between the sofa and loveseat. Pausing to catch his breath and gather his courage, Justus longingly stared at his goal, the armrest of the loveseat. His big brown eyes seemed to measure the size of the step needed to reach his final destination.
Justus eventually let go of the sofa cushion, took "a step" and quickly grabbed hold of the loveseat. Most of the time he then looked over his shoulder at whoever happened to be watching, a huge grin lighting up his face and the room. That was the cue for applause. And we always applauded.
The One Step Method of walking served Justus well - until he decided that what he wanted was not anywhere near the sofa or loveseat - and a new strategy was required.
I can imagine his little heart beating with excitement as he realized the profound ramifications of his next move. He had to completely let go of that sofa and loveseat and walk into unchartered territory.
And then it happened.
Justus did let go and took a step ... then another and another! Time seemed to stop as we watched this special little boy actually walk for the very first time in his life.
When Justus wobbled and fell, our daughter instinctively reached out to catch her precious child. He didn't see her at first, but when he looked up ... there she was. She had been nearby, watching the whole time. Justus looked into her eyes. Danna squealed with joy, grabbed Justus in a fierce hug and twirled him around the room, laughing and yelling, "Good job! You did it! You walked, buddy!" My husband and I joined in the celebration, clapping and cheering along with our daughter. Justus decided that his accomplishment must be monumental because he fell to the floor, kicking, laughing and clapping. It was both hilarious and profound.
Have you ever felt like you have taken the step God wanted you to take only to find yourself dangling in thin air with no safety net in sight?
I have.
I don't like it.
I want to know what is ahead and see what is around the next corner of life. It frightens me to take risks. I wonder if God really will come through for me the way He says He will in the Bible.
Can I really do what God is asking me to do?
Will He be pleased by my seemingly insignificant step of faith?
And what happens if I fall? Falling is painful and something I try to avoid whenever possible.
I have great news for you, girlfriend! God is near. His eyes are fixed on you, and His heart delights in your very existence as His daughter.
If you listen carefully, you just might hear Him applauding that one tiny step of faith you were willing to take as you walked straight through your fear. God is fully aware of where you are and what you need. Heaven is not in a panic.
And when you fall, you can rest assured your Father will be there to hold you in His arms of love and strengthen you for every step of your journey.
Let's Pray
Lord Jesus, I want to see and know You as the loving and caring Father You are. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for Your unconditional love and unshakable faithfulness. Today, I celebrate the truth that I am Your child and that when I fall, You will be there.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
What step of faith do you need to take today? Record that step on an index card and place it where you will see it often. Ask God to strengthen you to step out in faith.
More from the Girlfriends
If you need help learning how to trust God, get Mary’s new book, 10-Day Trust Adventure, now available in hard copy. Perfect for personal or small group study, this book addresses the decisions you have to make in every area of life and teaches you how to make those decisions as you step out in faith and trust God.
Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website and connect with Mary through email or on Facebook.
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Originally published Wednesday, 03 August 2016.
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