Jump In!

Our middle son has always been a bit of a daredevil. One day my sister-in-law, a former life guard, coaxed him into the shallow end of a swimming pool. He must have been about three years old.

Standing near the edge, she entreated with outstretched arms—thinking he would be wary—when he suddenly jumped right in! Bloop… She missed the catch and he went under. However, when she fished him out a split second later, he came up laughing like a hyena.

I remember thinking, “That fearless little guy had no doubt his aunt would look out for him.”

Why don’t I trust God like that?

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6

Our son had never ventured into anything bigger than a bathtub before that day. Yet he went for it. Somehow, he knew it was a done deal; all he had to do was make the leap.

I’ll be “Captain Obvious” here and point out the parallel. God stands near the edge of the shallow (or not so shallow) end of a pool of faith. With arms outstretched He entreats us to jump into a new experience with Him.

Do we take the plunge?

Come on, let’s go! We’ll come up laughing like a cackle of holy hyenas (Psalm 126:3).

Here are a few of my favorite “Jump In!” scriptures. Please share one of yours.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 – NIV)

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 – NKJV)

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NIV)

Thanks to John at rockroad.blog for the idea that became this post. He’s a brother in Christ, and a master of the life story niche. Please check out his blog; it’s worth the read!