You Go First

Like so many other kids, I grew up with regular trips to the pool all summer long. Our neighborhood pool had a unique attraction that became the source of legendary and dramatic tales. It was called "THIRD TOWER."  Just the words would bring fear or exhilaration into the hearts of 10 year-olds all over our city.

Our pool had once been host to the Junior Olympics, so not only did it come equipped with low and high springboards, but there also stood a gigantic concrete invitation to test your nerves on 3 massive platforms. If you dared to climb all the way to the top of that daunting ladder, you would find yourself standing on the edge of the infamous THIRD TOWER, staring down into a pool of water 25 feet deep. 

On a daily basis you could hear dares and challenges uttered from teenage boys tempting each other to risk their lives and leap from the highest of heights.  If there was any phrase you heard most, it was the simple rebuttal, "you go first." 

Sure, I’ll gladly step into the scary unknown, but I don’t want to be first. 

It’s still true for a lot of us, isn’t it?  That’s why I find so much comfort in this week’s words of hope.  God not only promises to never leave us, but He promises to go first. 

 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
–Deut. 31:8

 I don't know what you are facing this week, but if it’s anything as scary as THIRD TOWER, take heart, you have a Father who goes before you!

 Mark