You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God all throughout your day.

If you want to have free access to the entire library of 500 meditations, I encourage

you to download the Encountering Peace app where all the meditations are free as they should be.

Come on, everyone else is going to do it.

Oh, the power of social affirmation, group thinking. It is what finally compelled me to climb

to the top of the 10 meter diving platform. It didn't look very high from the ground,

but danger rarely does, does it? But with each step I took up a ladder, the earth seemed to just

disappear below me, 10 meters high, 33 feet, and here I was stepping out into the void by faith.

Logic told my mind there was nothing to fear. It would be over in a splash, but the longer I stalled,

the less faith I had. Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the staircase,

or in this case, I could barely see the surface of the water. So do you ever feel you lack the

faith to take the first step? Does doubt ever consume you and block you from experiencing the joy

of trust? You're not alone, and you are safe here in this place and at this time.

Your meditation from Hebrews chapter 11 is about faith, not mustering up new faith,

but discovering the courage you seek is already within you. The fortitude you long for has already

been given to you. Faith is a gift from God. So to begin your meditation, I hope you can find a

place to be honest, mindful, and genuine with your fears and doubts as we sit together in this quiet

retreat. A place for you to discover faith, the joy of believing, even when lingering doubt casts

its dark presence over your joy. So for now, begin by noting your breathing and beginning to relax

and let your eyes move from open to a gaze to finally closed. Intentionally becoming aware of God,

the Spirit and His Son present in and around you. Have faith in their presence. Seek them by faith.

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