By faith

the people crossed

         the Red Sea

as on dry land...

      Hebrews 11. 29

(What in the world

is this

   impossible situation,

this unexpected road block,

this cliffhanger

          before me?

My grandmother used to say:

"Sometimes you just

  have to trust the LORD

  about it."

We learn to trust Him

in the little steps,

in incremental ways

on the most ordinary days,

so that

when suddenly we stand

on the shores of the sea,

we know already how

  to follow Him into it.

We are not just enduring

      random difficulties.

We are being

      trained by God

for tremendous good,

   and not just our own.)

O LORD,

Grant us the courage

to get our feet wet.

Help us to trust You

  and not our own

  ideas about it.

Keep us from getting

            in the way

   of what You are doing.

May we be faithful to You

      above all things.

And help us to know

that others are watching

not how well we swim

              or tread water,

   but if we trust You.

Our greatest joy

hope and strength

   is abiding in

the vast expanse

             and reality

of Your steadfast love.