Snorkels & Surrender: Trusting God Beyond the Boat

Facing Fear, Finding Faith

A little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to face a fear head-on. Everything in me wanted to retreat, to stay in the comfort of what I knew. But thanks to a caring friend who encouraged me, I stepped out in faith, trusting that all would be fine.

Not Everyone Will Understand—and That’s OK

Often when we are afraid other do not understand. We may even feel judged by those around us. Fear can be a lonely place. But the truth is, they are not walking out our story.  And we do not need to give those opinions any power in our lives. 

Growth Happens Outside the Comfort Zone

Stepping outside of my comfort zone was just what I needed at this season in my life. It has helped me grow, stretch me and believe more deeply the truth that God says about me. 

This experience was not only uncomfortable, but it was also a place of  vulnerability. In this moment, I was met with encouragement, grace, and support.

“Fear tells us to stay in the boat—faith says get in the water.”

Isn’t that often our fear? That we’ll step out and be met with rejection instead of love? This reminds me of Matthew 14:29-32. Peter was trusting until he left his fear overcome him. I am sure guilty of this more than I’d like to be.

“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 ESV

My “Uncomfortable” Moment: Snorkeling in the Ocean

So, what was this big, scary moment? Snorkeling.

It was the first time. It wasn’t in a lake or pool but in the middle of the ocean!  On a barrier reef, of course. Maybe it even seems silly. And that’s okay. But for me, it was huge. Getting off that boat and into the ocean felt like a mountain to climb.

I won’t lie the fear almost went out. But once I did it, once I pushed through the fear, I was rewarded with something breathtaking—the vibrant colors, the peaceful silence under the water, the wonder of God’s creation. It far outweighed the fear I had carried.

(Also… yes, I did wear the lifejacket!)

Fear Grips Us

Why was I so anxious? Because I had nothing to compare it to, I had never done anything like it before. It was totally foreign to me. This is where fear will creep up, right on the edge of the unfamiliar. But how we respond to that anxiety matters.

Life brings us plenty of moments that make us anxious or stressed. Often it has to do with the unknown element of whatever it is we’re stepping into that rattles us. But often more than not, when we push through the fear we are blessed beyond measure.

Living Unbridled

Are you facing something today that feels uncertain? Are you ready to release it? If your answer is yes, allow God to work in your mind and heart.

“What would your life look like if you lived unbridled?”

If you released all your fear over to God, walked in trust, and took the next step in obedience, what would your life look like? Take a moment to envision it in your mind.

God is Not Man, He is Faithful

Trust is hard isn’t it? Especially when we confuse trusting God with all of our experiences of trusting people, who will disappoint. But God is not like that, he is fully trustworthy. His answers may not always look the way we hope. But we need to remember that God wants the best for our lives and his plans are always for our good.

A Final Word

So today, I encourage you to trust in him. Take the step to trust him even in the scary moments. Even if it means wearing the lifejacket.

If this blesses your heart you can find more encouragement through my stories here.