Three-year-old Caitlin dug in the sand, apparently oblivious to the world around her. But her oblivion was an allusion. She was alert and ready for danger. If a wave got too close for comfort, she jumped up and ran to safety.

Caitlin’s older brother and sisters were in the ocean, laughing as they welcomed the waves. But not Caitlin. She didn’t want anything to do with the threatening tongues of water.

We tried to coax her into the edge of the waves, but she was afraid. For two days, she kept her distance and played safely in the sand.

On the third day, Caitlin got up courage to brave the water. She soon had a big smile and sparkling eyes as she stomped and splashed, her face radiant. She had a blast in her new-found freedom.

Her relationship with her father was the key. He was her shield and fortress. Her frolicking was tempered only by the tight grip on his hand. When a threatening wave approached, she moved closer to him, standing against him. If the wave were a bit larger, she moved so that Dad was between her and approaching danger. In the midst of her play, she was constantly aware of her father and the approaching waves.

As I watched Caitlin, I thought of our heavenly Father. How often does He have an exciting opportunity for us, but we hang back because we are unfamiliar with the territory and are insecure or fearful?

For two days, Caitlin was left out of family interaction and fun. While in the sand, Cailin rarely smiled, while playing in the waves, her whole countenance was full of joy. Our lack of trust in God doesn’t just keep us from fun and fellowship, as it did with Caitlin, we miss being part of what God is doing to build His kingdom.

We don’t need to be fearful of venturing into the unknown with God because:

• God is always by our side. Jesus promised He will never leave or forsake us.
• God is our shield, stronghold, fortress, and deliverer. He covers us with His wings.
• He is faithful and can be trusted. He has proven Himself.
• He sees and understands the dangers and knows the future. We can rest in Him.

Daniel loves Caitlin and will give his life to protect her, but he is limited in his abilities. The Almighty God has no limits in His knowledge of what is best, His power, His love–or in anything. When we obey the Lord and venture forth, we can know that He will be with us.

But, we can’t just float through life as if riding on a wave. Like Caitlin, we need to be alert for danger. The enemy is seeking to destroy us.

Most importantly, we need to stay close to our Father, not roaming too far, but holding His hand and staying close to Him when in need.

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him” (Nah. 1:7, emphasis added).