Holding On
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19-20
Insight
I was recently at the beach with our extended family. My family has three kids under 5, and my brother-in-law’s family has two kids under 4. All of them are old enough to move around and communicate for the most part. We spent hours building sandcastles, looking for shells, and even trying to catch the seagulls, but the ocean was by far the most exciting part of our beach adventure.
All the kids would sit on the edge of the water and wait for a wave to wash over them and then squeal with excitement as it recessed back into the ocean. The ocean has become less intimidating to our children as they have grown up here, but the others were a little more hesitant to run into the waves. As I watched them work up the courage to go deeper, I was struck by something, if their mom or dad was holding on, they dared to step in. If Pops or Uncle Ben offered to take them, they weren’t as sure. It wasn’t that the kids didn’t like Pops or Uncle Ben; there is just something about the comfort of the one to which you belong. They felt safe with mom and dad and fully trusted them to be there no matter how big the waves were.
The image of the little kids running fearlessly into the crashing waves while clinging tightly to their parent’s hands reminded me of the dependence we have on our Creator. We are no longer foreigners or strangers, but we belong. We are a part of God’s family.
There is something about belonging that brings confidence, safety, and stability to the things we face in life. As members of God’s household, we can confidently step into situations that may feel out of our comfort zone; we can trust that God is with us. God created us, and He has a purpose for us in this family, but more than that, He is with us each step of the way.
Reflection
What is it that God is calling you to step into and display faith?
What is holding you back from trusting where God is leading you?
Prayer
God, thank you for Your love. Thank You for allowing me to be Yours. Thank you for promising never to leave or forsake me. I pray for courage to step into the things You are calling me to because I am Yours, and I trust You. When I am feeling uneasy, help me cling to You. Amen.
Katie Robinson, Children's Ministry Home Coordinator, wrote today's devotional.