The gravel was cutting into my stomach, my feet were trying to dig into the dirt, my heart was pounding, and while sobbing, my eyes were fixed on the sapling I was clinging to.

I was six or seven years old and hanging on with all I had.

The fear pulsing through my mind was running two scenarios simultaneously and neither of them ended well.

Either my tired sweaty hands were going to lose their grip, or the sapling would pull out of the ground. I’d soon plunge toward that dirt road below.

My dad had told me many times to stay away from the edge of the banks that ringed my grandfather’s property on top of that wooded embankment.

That day, while everyone was still inside eating, I slipped out to explore.

Something caught my eye, and on my way to investigate I lost my footing and started down the bank.

What happened next seemed inexplicable…

Five decades later I sat with someone who felt like they were losing control. They likened it to hanging from a gutter with white knuckles unable to let go.

I could relate.

They weren’t going to loosen their grip… even to save their life!

A ladder could be placed under them with a friend’s outstretched hands beside them and they’d still feel safer and in more control by not loosening their grip.

Another felt bullied by life.

So, I painted a mental picture of a little girl alone in the sandbox on the playground. When she looked up, the bully was coming her way and the panic set in. No stopping it.

She could relate.

I asked her to imagine turning and seeing her father behind her. What changes? “Everything!” No more fear, her father is here.

Do you remember when the disciples got caught up in that storm on the sea in Matt. 14:22-31?

They were scared, saw Jesus walking on the water, and what they thought was a ghost was really their God! Where did He come from? But then Peter began to sink.

“Steve, let go, I have you… Steve, look at me… let go and take my hand, I’m right here!”.

Screaming and clinging for my life all I could muster was, Dad, I can’t, I’m scared.

Inexplicably, with sapling in hand, I was off from that cliff and face to face with my father. Oddly, a new fear set in but that’s another story!

Later, I realized I was only a few feet up from that dirt road and at no risk. Who knew!

Next time you lose your footing, face fears real or imagined, feel like it’s out of control or you’re going to sink, remember what God said in Isa. 41:13 and Matt. 14:30-31. 

Look at your Father and take His outstretched hand. He has you, let go. What happens next will seem almost inexplicable.

You might even laugh at yourself later. Here’s my question for you:

What are you fearing or what feels out of control – real or imagined – that could use a glimpse of your Father’s face and a grip on His outstretched hand, and how will you respond? I’d love to hear your story. Reply and share it. I read every response. If you have favorite Scripture that helps you deal with fear, I’d love to hear that too.

I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe?

🧔🏻‍♂️For the men in your life. This is a good place for men to open up. I’ve been a part of this ministry to men for a while and highly recommend it.

🛐 How can I pray for you? Please let me know here.

📖 ICYMI. Monday 8pm (eastern) online Bible study & fellowship. Just click here a little before 8pm on Monday and you’re in!

📫 Forward this email to friends & family and encourage them to subscribe

♥️ Follow on Instagram | Facebook | Threads for more biblical encouragement.

👊🏼 Quick Favor? I’m attempting to double the reach of this newsletter. You can help. Can you forward this to a few people you care about-and encourage them to subscribe? Would you also help me spread the word by sharing BV2U to your social media? Thank you.

💬💡Feedback? Let me know how to improve BV2U or how it impacted you. Reply to this email or use [email protected]. I read every email.