Holding My Breath

You know that feeling  when you were learning to swim and the day came when you found yourself standing at the pool's edge preparing to jump in for the very first time.  The feelings of excitement because this is a huge step in the learning to swim process, and fear of drowning because you don't know if you are ready for this step! So you stand there, holding your breath, waiting for the lifeguard to say it's your turn.  Your heart is racing.  You're staring into the blue abyss....when actually the water is only about 4 feet deep but to you seems like it's 20 feet deep.  Then you hear the lifeguard saying your name, telling you to jump....now is your time! And you stand there frozen for a brief second, hesitating.  You want to jump but you just can't move! You're not sure how to, or who will help you if you panic, or where you'll land! But you hear voices cheering you on and you feel the strength and peace welling up until you finally bend your knees and jump.  Suddenly, you are under the cool water and for a moment you aren't really sure what you're doing.  All that you have learned from the instructors is lost in the bubbling of the water and just when you start to panic, you feel a hand grab yours.  It's a strong hand.  This gives you the comfort and confidence in knowing that you can use what you have learned.  You're not going to drown!  You start using what you have learned and before you know it, you find yourself swimming around the pool and jumping in every chance you get!   This how I would describe what it feels like to walk by faith and put your faith into action.  As you jump deeper and deeper into a relationship with Christ, you will find yourself back at the pool's edge many times, or perhaps on the high dive.  When these times come, will you jump....or stand on the edge holding your breath?