Sheila adores the beach, and would love to live there. A nice chair, some food and drink for snacking, and the day is great. But the water scared this girl who grew up in Kansas, so she stuck to the sand. Until we visited Kauai and booked a cruise to the Napali Coast. One that featured snorkeling. The captain found an isolated bay, and we geared up. Except for Sheila. That captain and I almost had to force her to try it, and she only agreed if I’d hold on to her. A tough job, but….
She discovered a brand new two dimensional ocean world, floating weightless as countless multi-colored fish swam close to her. Pardon the pun, but she was hooked. She bought her own gear, practiced more in the resort pool, and we hit every snorkeling beach we could find. Some might call it an addiction.
That didn’t work for me, I couldn’t get a good seal with the mask due to my beard, so saltwater seeped in and up my nose, almost choking me. So I dumped the snorkel and held my breath as I floated, until I realized the ocean had more than just the surface. I then discovered a brand new three dimensional ocean world as I slipped down 10 to 15 feet below the surface, swimming in the very midst of the fish.
Yep, a metaphor for walking with Jesus. Very simply, acknowledge your fears and inexperience, and step beyond them. As Sheila defeated her fear of the ocean. As I free dove. For each of us, we found a new and enjoyable world.
The very concept of growing requires this, doesn’t it? Being content with Jesus, but not with where we stand with him and how we serve him. Perhaps it involves forgiving someone that caused a fractured relationship. Perhaps it requires trying a new ministry. Perhaps you can talk to a neighbor about Jesus. Perhaps…
And when we do, a new world of faith emerges.
Kick Starting the Application
Think of an area where you may be stuck. An area where God has given you a vague sense that it’s time to try something fresh and difficult. What keeps you from changing? What best helps you change? What one positive step can you take this week to start your process of a free dive?