Read:   Psalm 34:8

Think: I was intrigued, as I sat poolside, watching my husband play with our two grandchildren in the water.  One was wild and daring and needed to be constantly cautioned.  She was not yet a swimmer, but seemed to know no fear.  Her favorite game was to stand on the pool deck and jump to grandpa.  She completely trusted him to catch her.  By contrast our grandson entered the water slowly and completely on his terms.   He liked to be able to see the bottom of the pool.  It took considerable coaching and much encouragement to get him to attempt a jump to grandpa.   Even then grandpa had to stand close to the pool edge where he could touch hands with our grandson.  He had to keep repeating his promise to catch him.  He had to promise that he would not take a step back.  These traits are evident in other areas of their personalities.  One views life as a daring adventure and is confident and trusting. The other is more cautious and likes to test the water before jumping.

I reflected, as I watched them play, how similar our walk with God is.  Some of us come to God with little fear, finding it easy to jump into His loving arms, knowing we can totally trust Him.  They seem to quickly grasp grace and believe Gods promises.  Others come slowly.  For them it is a step by step process and their trust grows as God shows he is faithful over and over again, much like grandpa did that day in the pool. 

Isn’t it wonderful and amazing that our Heavenly Father comes to us where we are in our faith journey and deals with us individually!  How pleased he must be for those who come without a struggle, who find it easy to make the jump of faith.  I love that he patiently proves himself to those who come more slowly, one step at a time.  He understands our fears and doubts and longs for us to make the discovery…He is trustworthy.

Do: Think about your personality and temperament… and how it affects your approach to God. Then consider His tailor-made response to you as you as you seek Him out, and follow Him.

Pray:  Lord, as we walk in your presence help us to know you more intimately.  Help us to let go of our fears and dare to trust you in a deeper way.  Thank you for the experiences in our life that deepen our trust in you.