run towards it

I stood on a hill and enjoyed the ocean view from afar. It was beautiful. I could see the ocean spread out in front of me and saw the waves crash into the rocks. In the distance I heard them roar. And suddenly there was a still small voice saying "Run towards it."

Run towards the ocean? But the water is cold, what if I get sick? What if the waves overwhelm me? I don't want to walk back up hill afterwards! I had many good reasons not to respond to this unusual request. But I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me again. Run towards it. I was still reluctant and so He expanded. This is what your life is like right now. You look at the dreams and visions I have given you and they are beautiful and encouraging. But you cannot enjoy the full strength and magnificence of the ocean unless you dive into it and experience it. In the same way, you cannot just look at the purposes I have for you from afar, you have to step into them.

This frank comparison took me by surprise and so I made my way down to the water. I sat on the rocks to process what I had just heard and I realised it was time to stop making excuses and to put aside the fears and lies that hold me back. I took off my shoes, rolled up my pants and ran towards the ocean. Trust me, I was very aware of the other people at the beach, but the more I ran, the less I cared. As I ran I surrendered my heart to God and chose to walk in His truth. The waves swept over my feet and the water wasn't as cold as I expected. All the what if's and doubts seemed to wash away as the waves drew back and I started to dream of what it would be like to fully dive into the water.

It takes initiative to step into the purposes of God. He won't ever force us. But He calls relentlessly. Run with me. I am with you. Run towards the challenges. Run towards the things that bring you closer to me. Run towards it.