Do you ever find yourself standing on the edge of something big – a new season, a new adventure, a new position, a new level of surrender or dependence? You find yourself looking out ahead wondering how you’re going to make it through and considering the bumps and bruises you’ll most likely suffer along the way. You may or not believe yourself capable of handling it, but you know the expectation is there – so you suck it up, take a couple of deep breaths and prepare to step off the ledge.
Frankly, I’ve found myself there more than once over the last two months. God’s given me a vision – and it’s bigger than anything I’m capable of doing. And I don’t believe my hesitation of stepping into it is because I’m lacking the faith to believe that God will see me through – because He’s been nothing but good and faithful to me. I have no reason to doubt that. But my life experience would lead me to believe that at some point, we have to be able to walk and stand on our own. We have to step off the ledge by ourselves. Last week, God was good enough to take some time to show me how untrue that line of thinking is when it comes to Him.
During our Monday morning staff worship time, I asked God for a vision of hope and promise for the future. He brought to mind the memory of my first day at kindergarten. I remember my dad bringing me to the classroom door and I was feeling panicked over the idea of him leaving me there on my own. And then, all too soon and before I was ready, I can see him walking away – like all parents have to do. I knew he would come back to get me – that he would be waiting for me at the end of the day and he wasn’t abandoning me forever. But I hated the fact that I was expected to do this alone – and that he couldn’t just stay and hold my hand as I explored this all-too new territory.
Immediately, I could hear God telling me, “This is how you see Me. You believe that I love you and care for you. And that I want good things for you. You know I won’t abandon you or leave you stranded in the long run. But you expect Me to lead you up to a certain point, and then ask you to explore on your own while I head down to meet you at the finish line. That’s not the case. I can hold your hand and walk alongside you ALL your days – no thing and no one can make Me leave you. You’ll never have to experience a single moment in your life without Me.”
In that moment, I physically sat back and relaxed into His promise. And suddenly all of the things being asked of me and the vision that seemed too big for me became less frightening. More exciting. Because while I might be entering into new territory – potentially daily – I won’t have to do it alone. God will be there every step of the way. He doesn’t expect us to “suck it up” or work up the courage to “go it alone” – as we are taught in so many other aspects of our life in this world. He wants and encourages us to hold His hand and invite Him into all the days and decisions of our lives. And while that doesn’t guarantee there won’t be some bumps and bruises and awkward moments along the way, it does promise that you will always have Someone beside you to share them with.
For His Glory,
Nat
