“Taking the Plunge” by Justin March

I was watching the news the other night and there was a story being told about some brave men and women taking the polar plunge challenge.  If you have never seen this event before, it is a pretty simple endeavor where people jump into an icy pool of water to raise money for The Special Olympics.  Now when I say simple, I merely mean the act is not complicated.  But as I watched these individuals take their places on the platform, it was obvious that getting up the nerve to actually take this plunge was much more difficult than it looked.

It was already cold outside, and as they waited for the emcee to give his speech to the crowd that had gathered, you could tell they had more time than they wanted to think about what was coming next.  Can you imagine what was going through their heads as they stood there shivering?  What have I gotten myself into?  How is my body going to react to the shock it is about to encounter?  Am I healthy enough to endure the extreme change that comes with taking this plunge?

After what seemed like an eternity, it was time to take action.  The participants listened for the signal, and when the whistle finally blew, they all jumped into that icy pool of water.  Some of them popped right up and gasped as the chilly temperature took their breath away, while others stayed under a little longer as I imagine their bodies were not quite sure what to do in such an extreme environment.  But when it was all said and done, these brave souls had taken the plunge.  And as they dried off and brought warmth back to their freezing bodies, they relished in the comfort of knowing the feat they accomplished was going to benefit something they truly believed in.

I remember a time when I was asked to take a plunge.  It was not into an icy pool of water, but it was a request that felt uncomfortable and shocking.  It took a lot of nerve, I had to make some sacrifices, and the experience was both confusing and glorious.  I had to be humble, I had to listen, and I had to open my eyes and heart to words and opportunities I didn’t know existed.  And on top of all that, I had to let some stuff go, do some heavy lifting, and admit that the goals I had created were not necessarily going to encapsulate what my family and friends needed from me.

When God asked me to take this plunge, I wasn’t sure I was healthy enough to endure the changes.  I didn’t feel I had the strength to face the ridicule or answer the questions.  And I didn’t feel worthy to walk a path with Jesus, especially one that was filled with light and given so freely to a sinner like me.  I was undeserving, unappreciative, and blind to what was being asked of me.  But I have come to understand that it is in these moments when it is necessary to take the plunge.

So, I took it!  With the help of amazing friends and family, that I now understand are a true gift from God, I jumped.  It wasn’t an easy decision, but once I made the leap, my life would never be the same.  I felt empowered and equipped, and I too began to relish in the comfort of knowing this plunge was going to benefit something I would truly believe in.  It was scary, daunting, and troublesome, but I can promise you I am a much better man for allowing God to throw me in those glorious waters!

Are you still waiting to take that plunge?  Is God asking you to do something that seems confusing or insurmountable?  Are you afraid of what may happen to your life if you listen to His glorious words and walk the path He has set before you?  Believe me, I have been there.  I have stood at the edge of that mountain and wondered if His messages were real.  I have questioned His directions and denied His requests.  But once you take that plunge, once you decide He is your captain, and once you understand He will stand beside you and carry you during this amazing journey, you will be transformed, refreshed, and willing to spread His words of promise and encouragement.  You will see life through His eyes and your love, light, and emotions will be magnetic as you draw others closer to Him.

Whatever it is, big or small, that God is asking of you, remember to take the plunge.  Pick up His tools and use them to be His hands and feet in this troubled world.  Spread His messages every chance you get, and do not be afraid of the evil forces that will stop at nothing to tear you down.  Because when this life is all said and done, you will stand at those pearly gates and relish in the comfort of knowing that you lived a life that benefited something you truly believed in.  A life that came with troubles, heartache, and worries, but a life that also was blessed with beauty, love, and forgiveness that will now be rewarded because you were willing to take the plunge!