Radically Happy

MIC Check

Today’s Most Important Challenge is…

• Embracing the discomfort
• That produces intimacy
• Graciously

Immanuel Approach Memo

Continued from 2/29 IAM: Stepping Out

I am… in over my head.

I am confused
The water seemed so shallow
On either side there are kids wading

Then I realize
I shrank

This is not good
How can I be a role model
If nobody sees me
How can I reach Jesus
If I’m tossed by every wave and current

I am in the worst possible position
Underwater so I can’t breathe
(I assume; I don’t want to experiment)
Not heavy enough to sink to the bottom
To get traction

I look for Jesus.

He is still standing in the middle of the river
Up to His waist

But now I see
From underneath
The river is deeper than I imagined
Deeper than I can see
Unplumbed depths
Like an ocean

How the heck can He just stand there?

Then I realize
He isn’t floating
Or treading water
Or sinking

But hovering
Just below
(rather than above)
The surface

Why does that feel more unnatural than merely flying?

And…
Why am I wasting my time worrying about Him when the river is about to yank me downstream?

Jesus looks at me

From out of nowhere
He pulls a fishing rod
And casts towards me

It lands near me
At the end is a cork
With weights
So it has neutral buoyancy

And handles
So I can grab on
Plus straps
So I don’t fall off

I suddenly realize
I am not a role model…

I am bait!

To be continued

Reflection

I feel…

• Humiliated
• Vulnerable
• Tiny
• Fragile
• Secure
• Seen
• Known
• Like I’m right where He wants me to be

Scripture

And it will become a sign and a witness to the LORD of armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry out to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will save them.

Isaiah 19:20