Encouragement for Today

November 6, 2024 Launching Into the Deep JENNI LORD Lee en español

“… unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3 (ESV)

Relaxing by our community pool, I noticed a little girl — about 8 years old — climbing on her daddy’s shoulders to launch off into the deep. They’d been doing this for a few minutes in my periphery, but I felt a stirring as I stopped to take in the details.

Three other children were jostling about, trying to get their turn. She paid them no attention. Her gaze was focused on her dad. From my vantage point, I saw zero hesitation and detected no fear. Pure delight radiated from her face at the special opportunity.

She clearly trusted her dad. She knew how to swim. And she’d done this before. She was unfazed by others crowding around.

Dad held her feet until she was steady, and then she launched with her whole body, fully committed. I wondered if part of her confidence came from knowing he was within reach. His gaze was upon her as she landed with a big splash before he turned to the next waiting child.

In an instant, the scene challenged me to my core.

I’d been facing a new launch of my own — with trepidation.

For the majority of my career, I’d been focused on one area, using familiar skills. But the Lord was calling me into a space to learn a new craft. Acquiring fresh skills demands the sacrifice of time, energy and other ventures. The prospect was uncomfortable and, frankly, daunting.

My launch had stalled … Maybe you can relate.

When we believe God is calling us onto a new path, it can be fraught with obstacles — some of our own making.

Yet as Jesus says in our key verse, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Maybe I’ve hesitated to climb up on the sure shoulders of a good Father who can launch me into the deep. He knows I can swim. This isn’t my first jump. We’ve done this together before. Just like the dad in the pool, He’ll hold my hands as I climb up, and He won’t let go of my feet before I’m ready. I sense His invitation to stop wading in the shallow, to instead climb up and go.

When we venture into the deep, we can know God’s eye is upon us. Like that little girl, we can climb and jump. Fear can be replaced with joyful anticipation of what lies ahead for us.

Isn’t that the way of His story?

Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to try new things and go to new places with You. Sometimes it feels scary, but I know there is delight ahead in the story You’re writing. By faith, I’m ready to launch! I’m grateful Your gaze is on me. Help me to receive good gifts from Your steady hands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Chosen helps children heal from relational trauma through connection and attachment. By empowering foster and adoptive parents to lead real change in their families, Chosen equips caregivers with trauma-responsive approaches to restore hope and bring healing. Learn more here, and join the movement to help 100,000 people heal from trauma.

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Check out this video from Jenni on how God is always pursuing connection with us, intimately inviting healing into the broken places of our stories.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Isaiah 43:1-2, “But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you …’” (ESV).

Our heavenly Father continually invites us to new adventures with Him. Where is He inviting you today?

What has prevented you from climbing up on His shoulders and launching into the deep? Share with us in the comments!

© 2024 by Jenni Lord. All rights reserved.

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