I remember when I was dating my husband, we went on a whitewater rafting excursion with his brother and neice. I don’t know what possessed me to do this–possibly the fact that I was in love. But, I did.
I was terrified pretty much the whole time. As someone who is not a strong swimmer, I just panicked at the thought of being tossed out of the raft and having to swirl in those cold, white, waves until someone could rescue me.
It’s pretty hysterical to look back at some pictures they took from shore right before a rapid. Everyone had their oars in the “ready” and you could see the rapid right in front of our raft. Me? I let go of my oar and was holding onto the raft with my eyes closed. So funny.
God kept me safe. As He has so many times.
I think of how terrified I was on that excursion and remember afterwards, once I knew I was safe and it was over with – thinking…that was amazing!
That has happened to me so many times. I’m scared in the moment and out of my comfort zone, but when it’s over and done with, I realize how amazing it was and that it actually WAS kind of fun.
The same is true for the “God-experiences” I’ve had in life. My God loves to take me out of my comfort zone. He does it regularly. He loves to stretch me. So often, I’ve felt uncomfortable, scared, and nervous about what He’s asked of me. Each time, He has kept me safe. Maybe I’ve closed my eyes and hung on – but when I obeyed….I realized afterward, how amazing it was. Because in my own strength, I can accomplish so little. But when God’s involved – I’m always in for the ride of my life.
I’ve learned over time, to open my eyes a little bit. I want to see what God has in store for me. I’ve learned to trust a little bit more and to loosen my grip slightly. Because I’ve realized that it’s fun to be used by God. The things you see and experience – you never would have unless you obeyed Him. Sure, I’d much rather be in my comfort zone and feel all safe and secure as He uses me. But the thing is – I don’t think I would feel the emotions as much as I do when I realize how much God came through for me or on behalf of me. I don’t think I would feel the elation of joy knowing what God accomplished if I felt comfortable doing it without Him!
I’d like to encourage you to hang on. If God is asking you to do something that you KNOW is clearly His voice speaking – don’t get out of the boat. Stay in. Hold on, close your eyes if you have to, but hold on. When all is said and done and you are on the other side, safe – dry – and realizing what your eyes have seen and what your heart has experience….you will see what I mean when I say it truly is “fun” to be used by God.
And you may even thirst for it again.
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