by Elizabeth Haarberg

Moving into scary areas

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

While we were at the beach last week, God gave me insights into who He is and who we are. This is not an unusual exchange but I’m not always tuned in to hear what He says.

One of the thoughts He clued me in on was ‘adventure is contagious’. When we go into the deep water it attracts others to do the same. In other words, it’s the power of testimony. When someone walks through something we thought was impossible, it gives us courage.

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
Revelation 12:11

This picture is of the same type of jellyfish that stung my sister twice while we were swimming. It left red marks on her foot and knee. We prayed and applied homemade remedies and the next day she was ready to get into the water again. Even though the waves were rough, we went out anyway. We came back after a short time because the further we went out the rougher the waters became. Then, we found out later that sharks had been spotted in the location where we were.

The ocean only has one master. When we swim in the open water, we give up control.

Through prayer and believing God will protect us in all situations, we can go into every area of the world and know He will guard us and send his angels to help.

So, what is your ‘ocean’? What is God calling you to do that you’re afraid to move into? For me, fear of failure and rejection are more frightening than being stung by a jellyfish and maybe even facing a shark.

If I believe that the Master over the ocean will protect me, why do I wonder if he will help me in other areas of my life? It could be doubt and fear that keeps us from moving into the deep water.

I challenge you to move into a scary area today. Take one step toward the intimidating idea. Then thank God for His protection, rest after you take the step, and take another step tomorrow. I would love to hear about the steps you are taking and pray for you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado