(Go ahead, click on the picture to go to a youtube video for your morning entertainment!)
Have you seen this movie? The movie Tangled where the plot is about a girl who takes a leap of faith and steps out of her tower for the first time. I’m feeling slightly like Rapunzel right now, especially when she has mood swings about defying her mother by leaving the tower.
My mood swings are more about taking that leap of faith and realizing I just stepped out of the boat. Literally. I can’t take it back now. My book, my words, my life is OUT there. My thoughts are swinging from, “I DID IT” to “What have I done? What if no one buys it?”
Two good friends of mine reminded me this week, “You just stepped out of the boat, now it’s time to trust.” If you ask me, the writing part was easy. Trusting God and knowing that my life is in His hands is a little, uh, shall we say--difficult; especially since I like to control everything…(I’m a mom, moms have control issues).
The roller coaster ride of insecurity stems from a not so pleasant email I opened (what is with people and email these days?). Part of the business is announcing to my corner of the world that my book is getting released (May 8th at eChristian); one gal had the gall to reply back and state she didn’t like me and didn’t want emails from me. OUCH.
After licking my wounds and lamenting that maybe this was a bad idea; God stepped in. He picked up my chin and had me look directly at His heart. My job was to trust Him and write the book for Him…not for approval of moms like her.
When God gives us a dream, He expects us to work hard and journey alongside Him in the endeavor. He also wants us to perform for an audience of one–Him.
So my question is this: Have you stepped out of the boat yet? Are you trusting God to hold you up as you take those first wet steps on the water? Have you learned that in order to keep your balance is keeping your eyes on God? If not, we will begin to sink.
Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
27But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
28Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
29-30He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
31Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
32-33The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!” Matthew 14:27-33.
Stepping out of the boat, for me, was starting my blog and then every time I write a post! It makes you so vulnerable, and I think I should just give it up. Then God says, “No, I have a message…even if only 1 person reads it.” It’s so hard to put yourself out there. Much congrats to you on the book! Very courageous and exciting! There are 100 times more people who appreciate you then who don’t. 🙂
Hi I’ve recently come out of my shell. I’m busy writing a book…..great risk…challenging…yes! and all the mixed feelings in one basket. So it’s no accident that I’ve opened your blog by sheer curiosity! God our Father knew I needed encouragement from you to ‘not give up’, but to continue walk on the water no matter what comes my way. Thank you so much!
Belinda,
Thank you for reaching out. I’ll tell you something Beth Moore once told me in the beginning of my journey, “Seek him far more than you seek your calling.” God speed and let those words flow!!