On a recent day off, a few of my teammates and I went to Playa Las Penitas for a day of relaxation on the beach. I was so excited to have a day to give my body a rest from a long week of construction and even more to be at the beach, considering it had been years since I felt sand between my toes.
When we arrived, the guide gave us a brief tour of the beach house, pool area and then warned us about the blazing temperature of the sand. He left us to enjoy our day and as soon as we stepped foot onto the sand, the "ooh's," "ah's" and "ouches" commenced. Even the guide's forewarning wasn't enough to prepare me for what felt like tiny coals of fire underneath my feet!
After a few minutes of tip-toeing in pain, we found a spot to lay our belongings, applied sunscreen and ran to the shore. While others jumped right in, I stood for a moment taking in the vast reach of the water and feeling its cool temperature as the waves brushed over my feet.
I love soaking in God's splendor and marveling at His creation.
I moved forward into the deep and suddenly felt like a kid again. With each rushing wave, I was reminded of summers when my parents would pack up the car and we'd ride down to Richmond, Virginia to visit my older sister. I always looked forward to this time because I knew she would take us to Virginia Beach!
Another wave came and bullied me onto my bottom.
I struggled to get to my feet before the next one hit and another childhood memory flashed before my eyes. I'm in my Daddy's arms and he's walking us deeper and deeper into the ocean. Together we jump every wave and I am not afraid because I trust him and I know he won't let me go.
What a beautiful picture of my Abba Father my Daddy painted for me on that day before I even knew Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I am encouraged knowing that I have a Heavenly Father who keeps me in His arms and is the Keeper of my soul.
As I am encouraged, I encourage you. If God is calling you to step out into the deep, do not be afraid. Know that He is a Daddy you can trust, that you can jump the waves of life in His arms and He won't ever let you go.
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
Isaiah 43:2-4 The Message
"Oceans" by Hillsong UNITED has been the theme song for my squad this year as each of us have stepped into a new realm of faith in our walk with The Lord. I encourage you to take a moment to listen and let these words become your prayer.
