Have you seen this? A small child stands at the top of the slide, knowing the fun that awaits him, but afraid to take the next step. But the joy radiating from him as the risk is taken is dazzling. Like him, I stand at the threshold of a new experience and yet am holding back. Maybe that is you as well. How can I walk into God’s promises starting right now?
Maybe your promise is for a restored relationship with a friend, or family member. Or perhaps a promise of peace during a financial problem, or a work situation.
For me, it’s a promise of God’s presence as I step into a new opportunity.
Where do even start? How do we let go of our fears and step into God’s promises?
Letting Go of Fear
The picture of the child on the slide shows only a portion of the story. His ability to let go of the handles and throw himself into the adventure is (at least in part), related to his past experiences.
His first experience with the slide was likely with one of his parents holding him as he sailed down the gentle incline.
He developed trust in them as he laughed and felt the wind in his hair. He grew in his awareness of them as protectors.
Soon, he no longer felt the need to tightly grip the handles at the top of the slide.
He was excited to run up the few steps to the top and enjoy the slide on his own. Over and over again. 😊
Maybe that’s a good plan for us as well.
Remembering where I experienced God working, protecting me in my life is where I will start. I wonder if you can think of an example. The size of the event doesn’t matter.
If you can’t, maybe you have seen Him at work in a friend’s life.
Here’s a memory that I am thankful for today.
After what seemed like a blink of an eye, we found out that we would be moving. We would leave behind relationships that we had nurtured, familiar schools for the children, plans that were being made. And a loving community.
We would be moving into from the familiar into the complete unknown.
I was afraid. I did not want to go.
Because of that fear, I began to grasp all that I loved in my life with an iron grip. Forcing my fingers open to release what I knew was excruciatingly difficult.
(You can read more about letting go or fear here.)
Embracing the New as I Walk into God’s Promises
(Photo: Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash)
As it turned out our lives were completely different.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)
Every part of our existence was nothing like I had imagined.
But when I was able to let go of my persistent hold on the past, my arms were able to embrace the new, with hope.
And many unexpected blessings were waiting.
God was present. And we grew and thrived.
My fears of complete change were unfounded. The details of our new lives were far beyond anything I could have imagined.
My trust in God grew exponentially. Encouraged, I can move forward as I remember that time.
Walking into God’s Promises with Trust and Expectation
In the example of the child at the playground, the good results were immediate.
But, realistically, God’s promises often unfold more slowly in our lives.
In our move, the positives of God’s provision were revealed slowly, interwoven with everyday challenges.
I learned a valuable lesson from that time. Living with a mindset of expecting His good promises will be fulfilled, eases the transition into the new.
When I walk my day remembering how God keeps His promises, my fear is kept at bay. He is trustworthy.
As Isaiah 55: 8 says, His ways and plans are not like ours. As a result, how and when the promise is kept will likely be very different than what we expect.
This means for me, I must lean on the trust that I have developed in God, as I wait.
Here is a song you might enjoy about trusting God. It may help you as you wait.
So, how will I walk into God’s promises right now? I am:
- Letting go of fear
- Embracing the new
- Walking into God’s promises with trust and expectation. (Even when I have to wait)
Will you be joining me, by walking into your promise?