Let Go and Trust God
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
[He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High] will rest in the
shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my
fortress, my God, in whom I trust’ (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV).
Friend to Friend
Babies fascinate me. They are so fresh from God. And have so much to
learn! Think about it. Babies come into this world knowing nothing. For
starters, they have to learn how to roll over, how to sit up, and
eventually the biggie – learning to walk.
I had forgotten just how amazing the process of learning to walk
really is /until our grandson Justus reminded me. Justus was a speed
crawler //who could scoot /along the floor /almost as fast //as I could walk.
For the first 12 months of his life, Justus seemed content /to explore
the bottoms of tables and chairs, play with doorstops or inspect food
crumbs on the floor.
But the day came /when he was no longer satisfied /to explore his
world /from the vantage point of his two little hands and knees, and
began pulling up /on various pieces of furniture. Evidently he liked
[what he saw], because he quickly graduated /to the "One Step" method of
walking.
Justus carefully pulled himself up /on the living room sofa. Next
came what I like to call The Toddler Shuffle /as he tentatively
positioned [his stout and very determined little thirteen-month-old body]
/between the sofa and loveseat. Pausing to catch his breath and gather
his courage, Justus longingly stared at his goal, the armrest of the
loveseat. His big brown eyes seemed to measure the size of the step
needed to reach his final destination.
*stout, which is often a nicer way of saying "fat." But a little teapot doesn't mind being "short and stout." Something stout is dependable, too, like your favorite snow boots that keep your feet dry winter after winter.
Justus eventually let go of the sofa cushion, took "a step" and
quickly grabbed hold of the loveseat. Most of the time he then looked
/over his shoulder /at whoever happened to be watching, a huge grin /
lighting up his face and the room. That was the cue /for applause. And
we always applauded.
The One Step Method of walking served Justus well - until he decided
that [what he wanted] was not anywhere near the sofa or loveseat - and a
new strategy was required.
I can imagine his little heart /beating with excitement /as he
realized the profound ramifications of his next move.
He had to
completely let go of that sofa and loveseat and walk into unchartered
territory.
And then it happened.
*A ramification is an accidental consequence that complicates things.
Justus did let go and took a step ... then another and
another! Time seemed to stop /as we watched this special little boy
actually walk /for the very first time /in his life.
When Justus wobbled and fell, our daughter instinctively reached out
to catch her precious child. He didn't see her at first, but when he
looked up ... there she was. She had been nearby, watching the whole
time. Justus looked into her eyes. Danna squealed with joy, grabbed
Justus in a fierce hug and twirled him around the room, laughing and
yelling, "Good job! You did it! You walked, buddy!" My husband and I
joined /in the celebration, clapping and cheering /along with our
daughter. Justus decided that his accomplishment must be monumental /
because he fell to the floor, kicking, laughing and clapping. It was
both hilarious and profound.
Have you ever felt like you have taken the step () God wanted you to
take /only to find yourself dangling in thin air with no safety net in
sight?
I have.
I don't like it.
I want to know [what is ahead] and see [what is around the next corner
of life].
It frightens me to take risks. I wonder if God really will
come through /for me [the way () He says He will in the Bible].
Can I really do what God is asking me to do?
Will He be pleased by my seemingly insignificant step of faith?
*come through; to produce or deliver something as promised.
And what happens if I fall? Falling is painful and something () I try to avoid /whenever possible.
I have great news for you, girlfriend! God is near. His eyes are
fixed /on you,
and His heart delights /in your very existence /as His
daughter.
If you listen carefully, you just might hear Him applauding that one
tiny step of faith () you were willing to take /as you walked /straight /
through your fear. God is fully aware of where you are and what you
need. Heaven is not in a panic.
And when you fall, you can rest assured () your Father will be there /to
hold you in His arms of love and strengthen you for every step of your
journey.
Let's Pray
Lord Jesus, I want to see and know You as the loving and caring
Father You are. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You
for Your unconditional love and unshakable faithfulness. Today, I
celebrate the truth that I am Your child and that when I fall, You will be there.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.