A few weeks ago, I spent some time at a pool with a friend and her kids. It was one of the best days of my summer. Even though I couldn’t actually swim because I’m allergic to chlorine, I thoroughly enjoyed watching her children splash around in the water and have a blast. One of the highlights of the day came when her little girl started learning to jump in the water from the pool's edge. Dressed in a swimming vest and floaters, she’d jump off the edge and into her father's arms. It was adorable! Later in the day, I told my little friend what a great job she did jumping into the pool. Only she didn’t think so. With a timid look, she told me that she didn’t do good because she was scared. “Oh sweetheart, it doesn’t matter that you were scared...you still did it. And you did a good job.” Then she ran off playing. Later on, as I remembered the day, I wondered if sometimes the Heavenly Father doesn’t respond to us the way I did to my friend's little girl. When we are hard on ourselves because we are afraid or we didn’t do something as spectacularly as another, I wonder if He doesn’t tenderly say, “Child, it doesn’t matter if you are afraid, what matters Is that you obey Me and do what I want you to do.” Perhaps the very act of pushing the fear aside and jumping into the Heavenly Father’s plan the way my friend’s little girl jumped into her father’s arms is the obedience that God desires. When we do it, even if we are afraid, He is pleased. Today, I don’t know what challenges lie in front of you. What road is the Heavenly Father asking you to walk that scares you or makes you uncomfortable? Maybe you’re feeling afraid. Can I encourage you by saying that fear is normal? Every risk brings a little trepidation. The problem comes when we let fear stop us from jumping into God’s plan for us. When we forget that God is a loving father waiting for us to leap into His arms. Following His plan and purpose for our lives is the safest place we can be. So today—don’t let the fear stop you. Instead, jump. Know that your obedience and courage are pleasing to God. He is looking at you with eyes of love saying, “We’ve got this. It’s going to be ok. Just trust me, follow Me, and obey what I’m telling you to do.”
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."--Isaiah 41:13
---Adessa
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Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
