It was a particularly hot day, Grandma had decided to have her four year old granddaughter, Stacey, over for a visit. They thought cooling off in her pool would be a great idea! After putting their suits on they lathered up with a good SPF sun protecting lotion. Stacey seemed to prance to the pool in anticipation. She carefully put on her water wings, since she didn't know how to swim. With a refreshing splash, they were in the water.
Stacey held on to Grandma's arms with a very tight grip. Grandma realized that her granddaughter was frightened so she began to reassure her that it would be ok. She promised her that nothing bad would happen to her. They both gently kicked and moved around in the pool. Stacey's grip didn't seem to be letting up. Grandma knew that something had to happen if Stacey was going to learn to trust her.
She decided to pry Stacey's hands from around her own arms. She spoke gently and softly, "Stacey, I would not allow you to drown." Stacey replied, "I know Grandma". "Stacey, don't you trust me?" she prodded. Stacey, still holding on tight replied, "yes, I do trust you, but I still SCARED!" With that Grandma held her close and the two floated together the rest of the afternoon.
I can relate to Stacey. There have been times in my life when I've held on too tightly. Times when He was saying to me, "Sonya, don't you trust me?" and my response, "Yes Lord, but I'm still scared!"
Saying we trust someone and learning to step out in faith are two very different things. Consider how Peter experienced this very thing in Matthew 14:
Matthew 14:29-31 "Come!" answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. "Save me, Lord!" he cried. At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, "What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?"
I think Peter was thinking, "Lord, I trust you, but I'm scared!"
What is it that you are afraid to do today? Is there a calling that has you unnerved and holding on for dear life? If so, pray and then, like Peter, step out of the boat knowing that God is with you and He won't let you drown.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Trust Me
Posted by Sonya Lee Thompson at 6:00 AM
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6 comments:
"I believe, help me in my unbelief!" I've stood there often. Jesus always holds out his hand to keep us from sinking. And yet, being human we continue to get scared. Help me in my unbelief!
Oh Sonya, how your post spoke to me this morning as I head out for California later this week for yet another homeschool convention. You would think that after God has proven Himself time and again I'd step out in fearless faith, but once again I feel anxious about going somewhere new, meeting another new batch of people, public speaking again, and leaving my family and going ALL the way across the country this time. Plus, this is a longer trip with a bigger gap in time zones which could so easily translate to pure fatigue. This morning I found myself overcome with anxiety, feeling just like Stacey! Why don't I just simply trust that He will be there and I won't drown? Sometimes staying in the comfort and security of the boat sounds so good, but then I see the possibilities that come with walking on the water...
Beautiful Sonya - that was truly beautiful writing.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus truly is the key. Peter sinks when he looks around at the waves and the impossible circumstance he is in-while only moments before when looking at Jesus he was walking on water! Keep looking at Jesus not the impossible circumstance!
Hey Sonya,
Thanks for stopping by my writers blog! I would love to go to the She Speaks conference sometime! It's been on my heart to learn to be a speaker and that's why I did the Toastmasters and then did some research and found out there was a Christian group that taugh it!
It sounds amazing. Do you feel it changed you and that you are better equipped now?
That's a good picture of us at times. Little girls with water wings, clinging tightly instead of trusting. I'm scared too sometimes, but He gently pries my clenched hands loose and fills me with peace when I rest in His love.
Wish I could have met you at She Speaks (I didn't get to go this year!)
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