Going Higher and Higher

     Sometimes we just have to face the fact that His ways are higher than ours, and past finding out. He takes us to places we don't necessarily feel prepared to go, outside our comfort zones, and yet it is these very places that will take us deeper in Him. Going deeper to go higher-a profound thought.

     Like parachuting for the first time; it can be dangerous and exhilarating at the same time. But with Him, it is neither one. It is safe and calming, if we stay close and trust that He knows what He is doing with us. Letting go is one of the most challenging things He asks us to do. We clutch the handles we have created for dear life! We think they will protect us, but what they do is end up imprisoning us to them; our false securities.

     I have never been one for high adventure. My son once said that my idea of adventure was wearing 2 different colored socks, so you get the picture. But with Him, adventure is a requirement for growth. He asks us to step out, and trust. Sounds easy and we tell ourselves we are doing that, until something comes along that threatens our "stability." Then, we realize that we haven't been trusting Him at all, but only in theory.

     We took our grandchildren to ride on a zip line a few days ago. One of our granddaughters stood on the edge all girded up with the safety belts and waited about 5 minutes before she dared to walk off the edge and ride the line. Before she did, the other grandchildren who had gone before her, were on the other side cheering her on. Then the guy that was the zip line operator said, like the voice of Jesus, "It's alright to be afraid, Shelby. You are going to be fine. I've already prayed." With that, she left her "safe" haven, and took flight. When she got to the other side, she was happy she had done it, and was ready for more.

     When we dare to trust Jesus, as He calls us to higher places, and launch out, we too are happy we did it, and then He readies us for more.