Over the past several months, I’ve been praying my way through a little booklet of the names of God, compiled by my friend Debbie Williams. This week’s name was “Branch”, as found in Jeremiah 23:5.
The days are coming, “declares the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.
With all my talk about trees of late, I found it interesting that my focus was directed to the name “Branch”. I spent the morning mulling it over.
As I pulled out of my development, onto the road that would take me to all of my errand destinations, another car was making a U-turn, allowing me to see these words emblazoned across the top of its front window:
Out on a Limb
I have no idea what that actually means to that person, but it continued the thread of my thoughts.
The phrase “out on a limb” generally means that a person is taking a risk, a step of faith that the “limb” will hold and their risk will prove fruitful. I actually laughed out loud when I saw it, as I never tire of seeing the lengths to which the Lord will go to get my attention. Talk about spelling it out!
You see, I’ve been struggling with some fear about stepping out and doing what the Lord is calling me to do. I’ve been obedient to a point, but have been hesitant to step on out, remaining, instead, pretty close to the trunk. After all, it’s safe there where the branch meets the trunk; it’s sturdier and more comfortable. But in the safety there at the trunk, I’ve noticed that my view is also obscured. Even as I sense that God has more for me, I can’t see it through the thickness of the leaves in my trunk-hugging state. It’s only as I step out further onto the branch, that my purpose comes into sharper focus.
If He is the Branch, going out on a limb shouldn’t frighten me in the slightest. His strength will hold whether I’m near the trunk or sitting precariously at the very tip. And the view…oh, the view.
Are you with me there at the trunk? Praying for all of us to take a step out in faith and grasp the life that’s waiting out on a limb.
I’m there with you at the trunk.
I can honestly say that, because I put my testimony on my other blog at Thanksgiving.
Joy Comes In The Morning
Love to YOU,
Yolanda
Honey I am with you on the trunk, but scootin out on that limb.
I felt I knew just where God was directing me and yet asked once more for 3 more B.R.A.’s uh… (Big Red Arrows) although qualifying this time by saying if this is really where He’s leading, please send me 3 more BRA’s and if I fail to act, I will take full responsibility for this act of disobedience.
In less than 24 hours He sent me 4!
I look forward to hangin out with you melinda dear!
You’re right, Melinda. It’s amazing how God speaks to us. What a great post — so much truth in it. Thanks for sharing!
Now that’s a visual I hadn’t thought about before. Him being my branch. Indeed, there is safety in the “moving out in faith.” He can handle our weight! Beautifully captured, Melinda.
peace~elaine
Thank you so much for that. This year the LORD has been trying to get me out on that limb..on the BRANCH. But, I have clung to a trunk of things I can see, touch, smell…I have struggled with walking my faith out.
I’m with you. I am scooting out on the BRANCH. HE will hold me.
SherylDean
Great thoughtful post! I think of Moses when God spoke to him at the burning bush. You got me thinking.
Blessings,
Julie
Now that I’m “old”, taking risks is a whole lot easier than when I was younger. In my youth I often feared what MIGHT happen, or what I’d lose. I doubted myself, “who” I am. Apprehension dogged many a decision.
I don’t know what changed unless it is the Lord’s work in me – – a growth process of sorts. Now I rather enjoy getting out there on those limbs, jumping up and down to boot.
I’d like to think it’s growth, or courage. But maybe it’s just a frivolity of aging. I hope not, because life has finally become the most amazing adventure.
Loved the analogy!
Kathleen
Can I tell you how much I LOVED this! Do you ever wonder if God just wants to give us a big push and say I’ve got it, go on!
I feel like I have moved away from the trunk. I am now sitting in the middle of the branch. You are right my view from here is AMAZING! Why did I wait so long?
Love You!
Jen
As I was searching new sites this morning,I found your blog and I’m glad I did. This was great as I am also being urged to step out onto the limb and finding it hard to leave the safety of the trunk. Thank you for this.
I love this Melinda. I’m near to the trunk. VERY NEAR to the trunk. Not on the limb yet bc He hasn’t shown me which limb to jump out on so I’m feelin pretty safe. For now. 😉
Merry Christmas,
Fran
Melinda, I'm a visual girl and this analogy speaks so powerfully to me, because I can 'see' this truth. I just love how God called you to focus on the name, "Branch" and then had you see a sign on a car that spoke so clearly to your heart. Look at the details God had to orchestrate for you to see that car… timing of the errand…the U-turn…the fact that your eyes even were drawn to read the words on the car window – WOW!!! God does want you out on that limb my friend.
As I look at my Christmas tree, I'm going to remember this post. Just like that beauty of the lights and ornaments that hang on the branches, may my life shine for the righteous Branch who came for me.
Merry Christmas!
Love & prayers,
Joy