I have heard it my whole life and I am still amazed when the Lord grows me in it.
I had the pleasure to attend a pre-teen D-now in our town back in February. D-now is a series of Bible study, worship and fun stretched out over two days for preteens in our churches.
I love preteens! They are at a stage in life where they think they know everything, but are still willing to learn, haha! When you learn how to teach them in ways that grab their attention, usually interactive lessons, the learning sticks even better.
The theme for this D-now was "Overcoming Obstacles; life will always have obstacles, do you know how to handle them?"
They brought in the Christian "Overcoming Obstacles Ninja Team" Their team is comprised of experienced ninja athletes and passionate speakers. They bring obstacle courses and teach you how to get through them. We were all able to try the different obstacle courses and I had fun cheering on all the kids as they learned how to overcome an obstacle!
I had my own obstacle to overcome; it was a swing where you had to stand, build up enough swing/momentum, jump off and catch the red bar. It was about 5 or 6 feet away. I tried it about 3 times the first evening and I just couldn't make it! I got really close and touched it with one hand, but I really wanted to grab the bar with both hands.
The next day we all went on the course again. At one point the guys and girls were separated and each of our groups got to try the obstacles in teams, guys cheering on the guys, girls cheering on the girls.
It was time for the swinging obstacle and I wasn't going to do it, but one of the ninja guys came up and said, "ok, I am going to watch you do this!'
I got in line and cheered on the girls and they were doing pretty good! Then it was my turn and I had all eyes on me, oh great....
I asked one of the ninja guys how I could overcome this obstacle and he told me you just need to swing high enough and grab the bar with two hands. Grab the bar with two hands!
In my attempts the day before I held on to one of the swing straps just in case I didn't make it. I was holding myself back.
As I attempted this swing jump with all eyes on me, I told myself I was going to let go and use both hands to catch the bar, and I DID IT!
It felt awesome to overcome that obstacle!
As I continued to cheer on the other girls in line, I kept thinking about this obstacle. I kept thinking about how there are moments in our walk with God where stepping out in faith is easy, and then there are moments where we have to jump!
Those moments are not as easy. We can ask for help on how to overcome the obstacle, but if we have the knowledge alone and don't jump out in faith we will miss out on what God has for us.
However, if we ask, take that advice and jump with both hands reached out, no holding back, it is then that the Lord can show us His might, power and plan!
Recently, the Lord has me jumping in faith. It is not been easy. I am totally dependent on Him, and that is exactly where He wants me to be!
Every time I think about how difficult the next jump may be, I remember this beautiful lesson the Lord gave me and it pushes me forward.
I know I can listen to the voice of my Father because He has all the plans for my life written out and His ways are far better than anything I could ever think is best.
My brother or sister in Christ, if you are dealing with an obstacle in your path I encourage you to take that jump. Yes, it is hard and you cannot rely on your own strength. As you build up to take that jump, know that wherever it takes you God won't let you fall.
If you have not made Jesus the Lord of your life and have not chosen to live for Him, I encourage you to do so today. Yes, it is a big leap to choose faith in Him; however, it will be the best choice you ever make. You will have the One who made you there to lead and guide you through life's obstacles and will never be alone!
Will you reach out with both hands and jump in faith today?
Be blessed, beloveds!
I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world! John 16:33
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a]
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
Psalm 139:13-18
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