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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Risk (05/17/12)
“Come on, don’t be a scaredy-cat!” Carol Ann beckoned with pleading eyes, expecting me to cave in to her begging and follow with burning sand between my toes. My great trepidation of teetering and the deepness of the clear water held me captive. The distance between Green Lake diving boards, the deep water and me was insurmountable. I was much too scared to jump from the high board into the depths of emerald-green waters below. With pounding heart and shaky limbs, I lamented. If only I had Carol’s self-confidence… I had never even mustered up enough courage to dive off the beginner’s lower board. I wanted the security of shallow waters, keeping my head above water, and firmly touching bottom.

“No, I’ll just stay here and watch.”

God calls out to me from sacred scripture.

“Fear not!”

“THEN HE BROUGHT me back to the door of the temple. I saw a stream flowing eastward from beneath the Temple and passing to the right of the altar, that is, on its south side. Then he brought me outside the wall through the north passageway and around to the eastern entrance, where I saw the stream flowing along on the south side [of the eastern passageway]. Measuring as he went, he took me 1,500 feet east along the stream and told me to go across. At that point the water was up to my ankles. He measured off another 1,500 feet and told me to cross again. This time the water was up to my knees. Fifteen hundred feet after that it was up to my waist. Another 1,500 feet and it had become a river so deep I wouldn’t be able to get across unless I were to swim. It was too deep to cross on foot. (Ezekiel 47:1-5 Living Bible).”

Jesus bridges the gap between a deeper spiritual life and my shallow faith. I stand submerged. I am in way over my head.

“For the Scriptures declare that rivers of living water shall flow from the inmost being of anyone who believes in me.’ (He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him) (John 7:38-39a Living Bible).”

I choose to jump off into the deep end. I refuse to live with only the trickling of water upon my body, to wade in ankle deep, walk out up to my knees, or lolly-gag in loin deep waters.

Christ beckons … “Come unto Me.” I do not want to be a scaredy-cat! I will risk my all. I no longer want to watch and wait as others take the plunge. Like heroes of my faith, I can ford across the river to fulfillment in the Promised Land!
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This article has been read 1229 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dannie Hawley 
05/24/12
Nicely written devotional. I can so relate at having to make such a choice... well, more than once, actually... sometimes daily, it seems! Thanks for helping me put things in perspective.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/25/12
This is a great devotion. I like how you share a personal experience with thereader. This is a great message and reminder. I need to remember to take the risks God asks me to.
Noel Mitaxa 
05/25/12
Positive material that you have introduced so credibly. Thanks for the reminder of all those "fear nots" of scripture.
Sandra Renee Hicks 
05/25/12
Hi -

I much enjoyed this piece.

It ministered and stirred my heart.

The warmth here is comforting and reassuring.

Thank you for this welcome message.
Marina Rojas
05/26/12
Certainly a thought provoking piece on jumping in with reckless abandon and trusting God.

C D Swanson 
05/26/12
Very good piece. I enjoyed this immensely...nice job.

Thank you. God Bless~
Edmond Ng
05/28/12
I like the way you juxtapose between the two in bringing across the message. Well done on a nicely written piece.
Laura Manley
05/29/12
Well-written devotional/story; a thought-provoking message I enjoyed very much about risk taking.
Leola Ogle
05/30/12
Oh my, this brought back memories of the first time I stood on a high dive. I must've been eight, and a friend dared me. I didn't dive, I jumped feet first and dog paddled to the side. The life guard blew his whistle and told me I was NOT to do that again. Great read with a good message. God bless.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/01/12
Congratulations for placing 11th in level three!
Jeanne E Webster
07/07/12
What the heart of a child sees...everything in her world is huuuggge, except her! Oh to become brave; growing up seems so far off. Sentimental journey, Pam, you took me home!