My heart was pounding. I was scared!!!!! I couldn’t believe what she was asking me to do. Was she serious? Maybe it was a joke. Surely she didn’t say what I thought she said! However, I had a choice to make. Would I allow the fear of my past stop me from moving forward. Would I jump?
Negative Or Traumatic Experiences Create Long-Lasting Fears:
As a young child, excitement consumed me as I anticipated going swimming with my cousins from out of town. As we approached the pool, my eyes bucked at the long water slide. Although I couldn’t swim, the fun I would have is all I could think about. Finally, it was my turn. I zoomed down the slippery slide like a flash of light. I crashed into the water. Suddenly, I was gasping for air and swallowing a mouthful of nasty chlorine water. My nose was burning. My ears were stopped up and I was drowning. Thankfully, the lifeguard rescued me. In that defining moment, I decided that I would never get into the deep water again. Shallow end, “Yes”! Deep end, “No”!
Opportunities Can Stretch Us:
Years later I decided to get lessons. My swim instructor had been informed that I was afraid to be in the deep water. In my mind, she was going to start me off in the shallow until I developed the confidence to go into the deep water. To my surprise, she announced that the lesson would begin when I jumped into the deep water. I was in utter disbelief! She had to be kidding, I reasoned. After several adverse thoughts went through my head, I convinced myself to defeat the fear and jump. I told her to count to three. One, Two, Three!! I did it!! It was an awesome experience. I asked to do it again. It was actually fun!! She allowed me to repeat the actions and proclaim that each lesson would begin with me jumping into the deep. Liberation and confidence came over me.
Don’t Let A Terrible Incident, Discomfort, Or Fear Stop You!
As I reflected on my instructor asking me to jump, the Lord reminded me that he is always asking his children to take a leap of faith. Yet, faith is connected to obedience to his word and Spirit-led instructions. Sometimes the path that God is asking us to travel seems impossible, scary, and just plain uncomfortable. However, he promises to be with us and to empower us! The following scriptures reassure us of God’s promise that we are never alone:
- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
- “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2
- “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
