Dive In

While planning my vacation I decided to do something I had never done before. I chose snorkeling. When my vacation finally arrived it was a spectacular day for a new adventure. I set sail along the Na Pali Coast for a day of sailing and snorkeling. Such beauty – wonderful, majestic mountains along this gloriously carved coastline that God created simply by speaking them into existence. The sun was shining bright; the water was the prettiest blue green. The dolphins were in abundance, jumping and playful. I even saw turtles and flying fish. It was the beginning of an awesome day.

About half way through the trip we dropped anchor to enjoy the water. The moment of truth arrives. It is time to go snorkeling. Now some of you may be thinking “No big deal. Just grab your gear, jump in the water, and enjoy.” This is where it gets a bit sticky. You see, I do not like to get my face wet and do not really know how to swim, I could only doggy paddle. I got my courage up and admitted to the crew member my apprehension about not being able to swim well and he graciously responded, “No worries we can give you a boogie board.” I put my gear on and paddled out using the board to hold me afloat. There is no stopping me now. I got this.

I found a great spot to soak up the sun. Just as I was getting ready to dive in and explore the underwater treasures, fear and anxiety gripped me. I did not want to put my face in the water. My heart was racing. I was breathing faster and all I wanted to do was get back on the sail boat. Panic was setting in. I prayed and with the help of scripture I was able to calm down and I thought “it’s no big deal; I don’t really have to snorkel to see the beauty under the sea. The water is so clear I can see everything from here. I am floating on top of the water looking in.” I started to convince myself that watching the sea life without diving in was good enough. I had traveled far and waited months… and I was willing to settle because I was afraid. I was in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there were not any friends, family, or saints around to encourage me or pray me through. I was surrounded by God’s beauty and majesty, and what I did have was His Word in my heart. I leaned on The Word of God that was already in me. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. With those verses I was able to calm down and be still. At that moment I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me “Merel, push past the fear. Trust me; you want to go under the water to see the true beauty that awaits you. You have been excited about this moment and it’s finally here. You can’t see it from the top of the water.” With that, I took a deep breath and plunged into the water. Needless to say this gal was blown away by the beauty of being in and under the water. The colors and clarity I experienced were much more vibrant than I saw from above the water or could have ever imagined.

During this time The Holy Spirit gently reminded me that sometimes I can be like this when He calls me to step out of my comfort zone and move into new areas. I sometimes respond “It’s ok Lord, I am good right here.” This was a defining moment for me. I now respond “yes Lord” and get out of the boat. To go deeper and experience all that He has for me. No more sitting on the sidelines.

Ladies, I encourage you: when God is drawing near and calling you out of the boat…go deeper, go closer and push past the fear of the unknown. Allow the Lord to take you where you have never been before. You will never be disappointed.

This blog was written by Merel Magill. If you’d like to contact Merel, you can do so by sending an email to Admin@lifebuilderseminars.com