Walking Through Fear

I am afraid of deep water. Really afraid. I think it goes back to my swimming lessons as a youth. They made us jump into the deep end and that experience scared me for life. To this day, I avoid being near deep water as much as possible. This past summer, God used a lighthouse to help me walk through my fear of deep water.

Fear

Jonathan and I headed up to Ludington, MI for our anniversary trip this past summer. When we first arrived, we explored a little since we couldn’t check into our room yet. We found this walkway to a little lighthouse.

Do you notice in the picture how the walkway has no fences around it? So, if you would slip, you will fall into the water. The deep water. Jonathan turned to me and asked if I wanted to walk out to the light. My initial response was “No way, are you crazy?” Jonathan encouraged me that I would be safe.

Halfway

After much coaxing, I walked through my fear. I prayed a whole bunch and started down the walkway clinging to Jonathan. We arrived at a point where the walkway turned. The stretch was a long one and the pathway seemed thinner to me. The fear kicked back in. I sat down and told Jonathan, “I am stopping here.” He didn’t push me to go any further.

I figured we would turn around and explore something else. Jonathan decided to keep going. I sat there and watched him and felt upset that I just couldn’t do it. The Holy Spirit prompted me to go. I yelled to Jonathan, “Alright, I am coming!” The walk went fairly quickly. Though I was scared, I kept going.

The next one

The light we walked out to was a little light post that was necessary but not extravagant. But, I was still super proud of myself for walking out there. While standing at this light, we had an amazing view of the Northbreakwater Lighthouse. The water was gorgeous too.

The next day Jonathan and I walked out to the Northbreakwater Lighthouse. The experience as so much more enjoyable than the first walk. I was able to take in all the sights, sounds and people without any fear. And I was fully engaged and present right then instead of focusing on my fear.

Face fear

What fears are you facing right now? Maybe your fear is similar to mine or something totally different. Whatever it may be, I encourage you to take a step and walk through your fear. Step as far as you can. Go halfway. Go with someone you trust. And always follow God’s leading. He is with you every step of the way.

I would love to hear how your first step in walking through your fear goes. Please comment below. Maybe you have recently walked through one of your fears. Please comment below and share. I love victory stories!