Monday, August 29, 2011

Walk in Water

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:1-2

My sister carried my three year old nephew toward the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. “NO! I don't want to go!” screamed Mason. “What is his problem?” I asked my sister. “Yesterday, he was tripped and landed face down in the water,” she explained. “So, today he's terrified to get near the ocean. But, he needs to learn that it's safe to return.” After a few seconds, Mason's mom carried him back to the calm of the shore. All the while, Mason watched intently as his father stayed knee deep in the ocean's waves.

About an hour later, Mason quietly walked right up to me at the water's edge. His arms and his eyes were open wide. “Do you want to go?” I asked him. “Yes,” he said. So I picked him up and carried him out to where his dad stood. “Do you want to get in the water, Mason?” I asked him. “Yes,” he said. So I lowered him in the water and raised him up again to his sheer delight! He looked at his dad and said, “Look Daddy, I did it! I did it! I stood up and didn't fall!”

The same day Mason fell in the ocean, my heart fell into despair. A trusted friendship was torn apart. I fell face down into confusion, hurt, and fear. My ocean was called “Trust” and my heart was terrified to return. I knew that I needed to trust again, but not now. Just like Mason, there was a time to wait on the shore. My heart must heal before it can return to feel. Not with time or experience. Waiting on God and waiting with God is the only way for the broken to truly be made whole. Just like Mason, I would not be carried, but would walk alone to face my fear. Step by step, a heart of faith transforms waters  of fear into waves of delight. I would simply come into the arms of one waiting and welcoming; thrilling in the immersion of love, trust, and relationship.

All the while, gazing at my smiling Father saying, “Look Daddy I did it! I stood up and didn't fall!” Adding, “It's only because of You. Waiting patiently for me to return here by Your side. These are YOUR waters of trust, love, intimacy, and joy that wash over my heart. You call to me by my name, reminding me that I am Yours and and I can trust You here. Always. You are my delight, I am with You here, in the desires of my heart. Thank You, Saviour, Redeemer, Father and Love!"

Enjoy Him, Michelle mlpack777@gmail.com

10 comments:

Juneytoonz said...

I am so thankful you are back. Timing belongs to God, doesn't it?

Debbie Griffith said...

Yes, He is always there knowing, protecting and covering. Bless you dearheart and may His face shine on you this day. AMEN
"These are YOUR waters of trust, love, intimacy, and joy that wash over my heart."

Anonymous said...

beautiful as always-more personal this time, which I like. That is one of my favorite scriptures where it says "through"! we always think we are stuck there and will never get out-of course it does feel that way when we are in the middle of a mess! Awesome Lord!! J. D.

Anonymous said...

He knows our name before we were created, we take our first steps and fall, we get up and we try again but hold on to anything that will support us until we trust to let go and try again. I have been trying to find Him & know Him in a deeper way. I have a need to learn more about Him thru his book, my Armour. I know I will and I and new at being a christian, like a baby wanted it's mothers' milk. I know in my heart that my Father will be there waiting for me!

I love your words.....Always......Nancy

Anonymous said...

Good - thought provoking - you do have a God given gift to share what is on your heart. Blessings, Betty

Anonymous said...

Actually, I think the walk on water is more appropriate. Like Peter, we need to have the faith to trust Jesus with it all. Like Peter, that keeping our eyes on Christ allows us to walk on the water. Love to you!

Anonymous said...

I really loved this one. God is speaking His words through you; we give Him the glory and thank Him for His gifts of encouragement through you and this small child's story. Such awareness we are given as we grow...and learn how much more there is to learn! L.R.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful as always… love ya! Becky

Anonymous said...

Very well done. I have sat on the shore and await for the Father to call me back out because He has calmed the sea. Thank you Michelle.

Anonymous said...

wow! this is awesome! - M.A.