I stood before the vast ocean with wide eyes full of fear as the waves mercilessly crashed into the shore. The wall of water stood taller than my 10-year old tiny self, and I didn’t want to go in, because I was certain I’d end up dragged away into the deep darkness and drown.  

But, on the other side of those waves, I could see my aunts and uncles and cousins all gathered around in a circle with smiles on their faces. Somehow, they had overcome the monstrous onslaught of water. They obviously had more courage than I did. I longed to reach them, but my whole body quivered. No way, I thought. This scaredy cat will stay here and just play in the sand.  

I started to fall to my knees in defeat when a strong hand reached down and grabbed mine. I looked up at the smiling face of my father. “What are you waiting for, my girl? It’s a great day for a swim.” 

Suddenly, I felt myself being carried along by the power of his movement. We coasted over the waves. When I sank, he lifted me up and kept me afloat. In no time at all, I was safely over the tide’s upsurge and enjoying time with my loved ones. Oh the joy I would have missed had I not trusted my father’s hand! 

Lately, I’ve been standing on a different shore and facing another obstacle. I will confess I have feared moving forward. The waves of tribulation have been relentless, but I know I will miss out on the greater blessing God has prepared if I don’t trust Him to see me through this.  

The prophet Isaiah wrote to God’s people, who were living in exile in a foreign land. Far from home and deeply discouraged, the children of Israel felt weak and defenseless. God Himself spoke to them and says:  

“For I am the Lᴏʀᴅ your God, the one who takes hold of your right hand, who says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, I am helping you.’” – Isaiah 41:13 

Let’s remind ourselves of these truths today as we fight to keep the faith:  

• God will be our strength when we are weak. We don’t have to be strong. His strength will overcome any obstacle.  
• The Almighty has promised to hold us up when we cannot support ourselves. We don’t need to fear not being able to make it. The Lord Himself will lift us up.  
• The Creator who formed the universe controls our destiny, and His plans for us cannot be washed away by the enemy.  

Friend, your heavenly Father wants to take you by the hand and lead you through whatever hardship you are facing. Don’t give way to defeat. You are God’s child, and He will never leave you to drown in discouragement. Let Him lead you to the other side where you will experience joy beyond measure. What are you waiting for? Trust God fully and dive deeply into the abundant life He has planned for you.

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Lyli Dunbar

Lyli Dunbar enjoys singing silly karaoke in the car with her husband, digging into Bible study with the girls, and reading twelve books at a time. A writer, speaker, and Biblical Life Coach, her mission is to encourage the weary hearted with fuel for a wildfire faith.