Jump In--Listen Closely

As I climbed higher and higher, I curled my wet wrinkled toes over the grated edge of each stair step. I can’t recall how high the diving board stood, but I do remember the nervous feeling in my stomach as I inched my way, step by step, up the ladder, getting closer and closer to the top. Half way up the stairs, I began coaching myself with, this isn’t so bad—you can do this Julie; but, as I reached the top, positioned between two small rails, standing all alone in the middle of the diving board, my feelings changed.

Wow! It sure is a lot higher from up here, than from down there. As I looked behind me, I saw my very best friend smiling, ready to take her turn. Looks like she’s waiting. I guess there’s no turning back now. I thought. Let’s see what did the life guard say? Oh, yah, “When you get to the top, walk to the edge of the diving board, jump forward, and when you come up, swim straight so you don’t cross in front of the divers to your left or right.” Easy for him to say; he obviously doesn’t know how high it looks from up here. I thought.

I inched my way to the end of the diving board, excitement and fear combined together, slowly rising from my stomach to my throat. I took a deep breath and counted, “One…two…three…here we go” and plunged into the water below. Bubbles swirled up all around me. Wow. This is really deep, I thought. But completely fantastic!

Today, God invites us to take similar steps of faith...to climb higher and higher...to abandon our life to Him...trusting that He will protect and catch us. Friend, many thoughts will attempt to discourage us. The enemy whispers impossibilities. Fear of the unknown will cause us to want to look back. Our only hope remains in our relationship with God and choosing to hear HIS voice. Today, God invites us into a relationship with HIM. To trust Him completely and follow His lead. We aren't in this journey of faith alone. God promises to lead us. To instruct us. To provide and protect us. The key is listening to His voice.

Isaiah 28:23 says, “Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.”

For the remaining days of this week, I hope to share helpful ways that we can listen and hear God's voice. 

• Today, I want to encourage you to silence your to do list. Shut out distractions. Spend time quietly listening. And invite God to speak. HOW? By simply praying, Lord, please direct me. Speak to me. Confirm your will through your Word (the Bible.) I will listen. Instruct me. Help me to discern your voice.