Photos courtesy of Creative Commons Flickr user NBphotostream

After Phil Vischer's Veggie Tales dream died in bankruptcy, God gave Phil a new vision: to be like a jellyfish instead of a barracuda. (Read more here.)

Phil observed how a jellyfish is beautiful as it is carried along by the ocean's current. It can't control where it goes next. Outside of the water, a jellyfish dies.

It doesn't mean we are passive; it just means that we, like Phil, are listening and sensitive to God's leading in our lives.

As I sat at my kitchen table reading Numbers 13-14, I realized I resist God's leading when I give into fear instead of choosing faith in His promises.

Whenever we let fear control us instead of faith in God, we step out of the current of His love and power. (Care to tweet this?)

God had promised to give the Promised Land to the Israelites (Num. 13:2). It was God's dream for them to experience the abundance of the Promised Land.

Moses sends out 12 spies to check out the lay of the land. All 12 report on the land's fruitfulness as it flows with "milk and honey." But 10 spies argue against entering the land because they fear the land's giants.

Only Caleb and Joshua are confident with the Lord's presence and help, they will overcome (Num. 13:30; 14:6-9).

As I read, my heart is pierced at how many of God's intended blessings I have missed because I clung to fear instead of faith in His promises.

What has God promised to us as His child?

He has promised His grace is bigger than any mistake. He can redeem even my lost opportunities as I cling in faith to His promises to redeem. Yes, there may be consequences, but He has the final word.

I do not have to fear past mistakes being fatal, because in faith I can believe He is bigger than my mistakes (Romans 8:28,29). His love overcomes all.

Whatever I lay on the altar of surrender, He can take and use it for His glory (Romans 12:1-2).

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." 2 Cor. 9:8 NASB

God provides so we can do good, and not for our selfish gain. We don't ever have to fear outgiving God. It is impossible.

And yet, I confess, when I am not fixing my eyes only on Him, I can worry. But when I stop, and fix my soul's gaze on Him alone, He gives me His peace. His Presence.

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

 Because he trusts in You." - Isaiah 26:3 NASB

A prayer:

Dear Father God,

I thank You that I am free to rest in the ocean of Your love, power and goodness. Christ has bought my freedom by His death on the cross.

Help me to be beautiful like a jellyfish and to allow You to carry me where You will.

Forgive me for choosing death instead of life whenever I step out of being led by Your Spirit and Your promises.

Please give me the grace and courage to choose trust and obedience instead of fear. Enable me to walk by faith, and to not let fear have the final word.

I praise You for You are gracious. You do not give me what I deserve.

Thank you for your grace and forgiveness when I fail.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

What promises of God enable you to walk by faith?

What practices help you to be like a jellyfish instead of a barracuda in your relationship with God?

Thank you for sharing your insights as they encourage others and me.

Giving thanks with Ann as a way to walk by faith and not fear:

- For hubby and I being able to hear and learn more about http://stickyfaith.org/ and how to help kids have a faith that sticks.

- For dear friends watching our girl Sunday night, so we could go to church and hear Dr. Kara Powell talk on "sticky faith."

- For rain washing and nourishing the earth

- Slept through the night

- Hot breakfast tea slightly sweetened

- Gift of tears as I recall God's faithfulness

- Bible

- access to clean water

- lovely hydrangea in different hues and tones of blue

- Making hubby laugh

- Praying with friends

Linking today with sweet and gifted friend Laura, 

and giving thanks with wise Ann 

and the amazing Jen 

talented L.L. Barkat

© Soul Stops/Dolly Lee 2012.