Jump!

A  friend told me a story where her husband was trying to encourage her son to jump into his arms from a close distance where he was sitting in their backyard. Although her son was safe and could easily jump to his dad’s arms, fear got in the way turning what could have been a simple request into a big emotional event. The child, rather than trusting his father to catch him, became afraid and doubtful of his father’s ability to protect him. My friend said the incident reminded her of the way we behave when it comes to listening and trusting our Heavenly Father. Unfortunately we often act just like a doubtful and fearful little child.

Right now you may be holding back from jumping into the loving arms of Jesus and out of a dangerous or even sinful situation in your life. You may be clinging to an unhealthy habit, ungodly relationship or worldly view that God keeps encouraging you to leave behind. You may be just like that small child and are too fearful to let go and let God. What is it that makes you so doubtful of the Almighty God of the Universe? Has He let you down before or do you think that in your circumstance He lacks the ability to keep you safely tucked away in the hollow of His Mighty Hand? Do you think that He is leading you into a lifestyle, place or relationship that will be worse than the one you placed yourself in without His guidance? Jesus is begging you to jump from that place where you sit paralyzed in fear to be as close as possible to Him in His loving arms. Will you trust Him enough to make the leap or will you continue for another day to be perched in fear ignoring His call to jump safely to Him? Don’t waste another moment. Jump! He will catch you….promise!

“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.” Acts 3:7-10