Testing the Water

I dip my toes in water to check the temperature before I get into the bathtub, the pool, the hot tub or any body of water.

I like to test the waters. To prepare my body or maybe to give myself a way out.

“Oh, the water is too cold, too hot. I won’t get in now.”

Sometimes, I’ve gotten encouragement from others already in the water. “The waters great! Come on in!”

Other times, even before I’ve had a chance to test it, I’ve gotten discouragement from others out of the water. “No the water is too cold. You’ll want to try it another day.”

But only you can really judge if the water is right for you.

Last year, I decided to speak at the Woman’s World Conference in the town close to where I live. I was all prepared. But still anxious. So I took my feelings to God. He answered me with “just put your toes in the water.” Reminding me, I was just testing it out. But this time, I knew I wasn’t testing it out on my own. He was right there beside me and I did not need to be afraid.

He would be with me as I ventured into new ‘waters’ of speaking about my faith.

He would be with me as I decided in the future, if I would step in again or step back out.

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6. NIV  This passage says to me how important it is that we acknowledge God in everything that we do. In this acknowledgement, we are affirming our belief that He is indeed with us. Then as we do this, He will make straight our paths. I often mistook this part to mean that with straight paths I would not have any trouble. My path, my life would be easy and smooth. I have since learned how wrong I was. But now I think my straight path means it is right or good. That the key is “he will make.”  He will make our paths good and right for us. 

When was the last time you tried something new?

Went someplace you’d never been before?

Took a lesson to learn something just to see if you liked it?

Ask God to go with you, as you just test the water.

Go ahead dip your toe in.

Prayer: Dear Lord, these are scary times. We have been forced to try many new things. Help us to remember to acknowledge you in everything we do. Give us the peace to know that You make our ways right and good, according to your design. Help us to remember that You are with us as we test the water. In Jesus name I pray. Amen