Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success. Don’t depend on your own wisdom. Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Ponder It.
When have you had the most fun jumping into or being in water?
What has been your most awkward or painful water moment?
How does following God’s will help you trust God more?
Receive It.
The approach and takeoff always matter. It doesn’t matter if you’re diving off a platform or a springboard. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the edge of a lake or pool. It doesn’t matter if you’re high on a cliff or nearly at the water level. How you approach and take off wherever you are impacts your landing in the water. A prepared dive (or jump) with intentional steps and bounce will always end better than haphazardly being thrown into the water. If you’re goofing off, you’re more likely to slip, trip, or flop. Landing in the water feet first or head first, when planned, is much less jarring than belly flops and miscellaneous landings in contorted positions.
When we focus on where we are and where we’re going—not according to our own will but in submission to God’s—we can avoid many of the clips and crashes that cause so many bruises and bumps. We won’t completely avoid them. We’ll still slip and slide and occasionally trip and fall, but intentional steps of each approach and take off certainly help with the landings. Water isn’t the most comfortable landing surface. It can be refreshing and fun, but it can also feel like a slab of concrete. It’s not a forgiving surface when we make unplanned landings. In order to land well, we have to approach and take off well. In order to fulfill God’s purpose, we have to seek His purpose. It doesn’t mean we have it all figured out along the way. It doesn’t mean we understand or expect smooth entries. But we trust God as we approach our take offs. We find security in our take offs…not safety but security in knowing God’s will is always best. We might flop at times, but it’s okay. God can always flip our flops. He uses everything we offer to Him…and many things we don’t.
Live It.
Take a cold washcloth to your face and arms. Consider how refreshing it is. Then take the same washcloth and gently slap it against your arms a few times. Consider the difference between the two experiences and how it can apply spiritually in terms of how your experience and the outcome of something is somewhat depending on how you use what God has given you. Most everything can be used for God’s will or misused contrary to it.
Today’s post is part of a 30-day devotional of Adventures in Faith. A new post will be available each morning to launch your day with reflection questions, God’s Word, and a personal challenge.