I stood at the edge, too scared to move.
I remember it now as if it was six days ago.
As my father stood in the water extending his arms to me, I recall his words,
“I’ll catch you. Just jump.”
I trusted my daddy. He was the strongest, smartest, most talented man I knew. In my 5-year old eyes he could do anything and everything.
There was no one like my daddy.
I leaped from the edge of the pool, and for those few seconds, I felt like I was flying. And sure enough, I landed in Dad’s hands as he caught me. Squeals of laughter followed, as did many repetitions of the jump.
Dad was my first swim instructor, as he removed my fear of water with each passing leap.
Those are some precious memories for me right there.
As I grew and matured, there was still no one like my daddy. Even as his body weakened in his last days on this earth, he was still the strongest, smartest, most talented man I knew.
This early memory was tucked way back somewhere in my mind until I began writing this post. I had forgotten all about those early swim days with Dad.
But after reminiscing with this memory, I was sadly awakened to the reality of how over the years I’ve experienced many moments of standing on the edge of life in fear, too scared to jump.
Too fearful to try something new.
Too fearful of what others might think.
Too fearful to follow my dream.
Too fearful of falling or failing.
All the while, like my daddy, God stands with arms extended to me saying,
“I’ll catch you. Just jump.”
God invites us to go deeper with Him. He invites us to leave the comfort of standing on the edge, to experience all He has planned for us. He knows that won’t happen unless we trust Him enough to let go and allow Him lead us to deeper waters.
If He’s calling us to jump, He’ll catch us.
Friend, on what edge do you find yourself standing today? What fear is stopping you from taking the leap God is inviting you to take? What is preventing you from going deeper with Him?
We can trust God. After all, He knows us better than we know ourselves. And His plans for us are good. He’s the strongest strong One. He’s the smartest smart One. There’s no One like Him.
If He’s calling us to take the leap of faith in Him, He’s not going to let us fall. His arms are strong enough and big enough to catch us.
When we fix our gaze on God standing ready to catch us, fear vanishes and courage fills us to take the leap. And squeals of laughter follow as we soar on this exciting and wonderful adventure with Him.
We can look back and see all we would have missed out on if we stayed standing on the edge.
Let’s not stay on the edge.
Let’s not miss out on one thing God has planned for you and me. Will you come to the edge with me? Let’s take each other by the hand, count to three, and take the leap. Together.
I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13 NCV
With much love today,
Julie
It’s a blessing to link up with Suzie Eller and friends for #livefreeThursday. It’s a beautiful day to live free!
I’m visiting from Suzie Eller’s #livefreethursday…what a great thought, and true…”if he is calling you to jump, he will catch you” I have a few things I am feeling called to jump on but it scary! Thanks for sharing!!
It is scary, April. Be if He’s calling us, He’ll catch us. So glad we can trust Him to do so. Praying for your calling!
Really like this post. Good reminder for me, and for us all! 😉
Hi Tracy! Thank you. Yes, a good reminder for me. Much love to you today!
I never get tired of this picture of trust. I remember my boys jumping into their dad’s arms, and my heart melts. My concept of God as Father is so inadequate. Thanks for this quiet meditation on our faithful God who catches us in loving arms.
My concept of our Heavenly Father is so inadequate too, Michele. What a gift to have a Father we can trust in this way! Blessings!
I love this, Julie! Words I need to hear again and again, because trust can be so hard when the jump is big. Thank you for this encouragement today!
That’s for sure, Kathryn. Reminders are good for me too. Keep trusting. He’s got us!
A lovely tribute to your Dad!
For me it’s not jumping; it’s holding on.
Holding on is good too. And some days that’s all we can do.
Let’s not stand on the edge. Amen!
Amen, Suzie! Thanks again for hosting us this week. I appreciate the #livefree community!
Oh Julie, this is such a great lesson! I know I’ve missed so many opportunities because I have been afraid to jump because I might fail. Thank you for reminding me that if He is calling me he’ll catch me! Loved it! Cindy
Cindy, you’re in good company. I think we’ve all been afraid to jump at one time or another (or many, like me!). May we jump together in the adventures He’s calling us to. Bless you!