arm

The child holds me with her tiny hands. One hand grasping my arm. The other gripping my back hair. (Yeah...I have back hair). Her razor sharp, newly formed fingernails scratch my sun beaten skin. I step carefully into the cool water reassuring her along the way.

"I've got you," I lovingly whisper.

My daughter is not convinced. She is only a few years old. The pool is a new experience. The clear water is rugged and wild. Things look strange under water. It is unexplored territory filled with fear, anxiety, worry...the unknown. Mollie is uncertain of what will happen by going in the water.

The water rises and wraps around us as I step further out and away from the pool deck, away from what is known, what is safe, what is comfortable. It is deep enough to tickle her toes. Her grip tightens, but I hold her. I embrace her securely as she hums and moans looking back to dry land and reaching for mommy.

I recently had a vision from the Lord. It was similar to this. In the twitter list e-mail update, I mentioned that I heard Him say, " I love you." And, "Live life."

In this vision, I am the baby and God the Father holds me securely in His mighty arms. He does this for His children. He carries us into unknown waters, into new territory, new experiences. We hold on with desperation not wanting to go, because it is terrifying and filled with anxiety and fear and uncertainty. Maybe your unknown water is the death of a parent or a child. Maybe it's the loss of a job. Or any uncertainty you may be facing. You feel like you'll surely stop breathing. You worry and wonder if you'll even survive. But you will. You'll survive.

Please know that He is holding you saying, "I've got you, and I love you."

Dad's got you. He is walking you into unknown waters filled with strange and wonderful things all while reassuring you along the way. We're reminded by the Psalmist, "...with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever" (NIV, Psalm 136:12).

This isn't just poetic encouragement. It is real. Unknown waters are rising around you. But He's got you in His arms, and He loves you.

Are you holding on?

Do you trust Him?

Or are you looking back at the pool deck?

Live life my friend and explore. And don't look back.