I recently vacationed in Kauai, Hawaii. While there, my husband and I went on a snorkeling boat trip. Now, what you may not know about me is that I’m not a water person. I don’t mind going on boat trips, but I stay on the boat. I don’t get in the water. So really, this was my husband’s snorkeling trip and a boating day for me. He loves the water and seeing all the fish and other sea creatures in it. I love taking pictures and reading. So while he’s snorkeling, I have time to do those things I love.
On this particular trip, there was a family with young adult daughters on board. The mom and dad were in the water like fish, ready to snorkel. The one daughter, probably in her late teens or early twenties, seemed to want to get in the water, but was nervous about it. Her dad was so patient with her, using what I imagined was the same gentle voice he used to soothe her fears when she was a baby.
Dad: “You don’t have to go out far.”
Daughter: “I’m scared.”
Dad: “You can stay with me.”
Daughter: “Can I just swim on you?”
Dad: “Not on me. But right beside me.”
Daughter looks uncertain.
Dad: “I’m right here. I won’t leave you.”
She decided to try it—all based on her trust in her father. She sat for a long time on the step of the boat and let the freezing water wash over her. It’s as far as she got. Shivering, she went back into the boat.
But it was still the sweetest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Obviously, this dad had built a relationship with his daughter through the years that led her to trust him in this scary situation.
I wonder if I’m like this at times, as God encourages me from above. I’m afraid to try something new and He’s nudging, prodding, moving in my heart whispering, “You can do it. I’m right here. I won’t leave you.”
My natural inclination is to stay in a place that’s familiar and safe. But God stretches me to new heights, new ministries, new relationships. When I trust Him, I’m never disappointed. Maybe I turn back sooner than I should. But even when I sit on the step, He’s there, encouraging me, praising me for giving it a try. Even baby steps (like step sitting) are the beginning of what could be significant growth. And it’s all good because I’m with my Father. There’s no shaming, no condemnation because I didn’t do more.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). You are enough, just as you are, where you are, growing at a snail’s pace or by leaps and bounds.
What adventure is God calling you to? Share it in the comments below and rest assured God is with you and will never leave you.
