I have never been more content and more afraid of where God has guided my life than right now. I’m standing at the edge of the shore, watching the waves push new opportunities and experiences closer toward me as I dig my toes into the sand. There are some waves that I’m eager to reach for, to dive into and see what happens when I come up on the other side – moments of creativity, where I strive to capture the beauty of God’s creation through writing, photography, or worship.
These waves are easy. I seek these opportunities, putting myself in a position to be asked to use the talents God has given me. Will I take senior photos for the son of a dear sisterchick? Yes Lord! Will I hold a photo shoot for the worship ministry I work with? Amen Lord! Will I submit a guest blog for (in)courage? Praise God! I am content. I am stretched, but it is like introductory yoga– it feels good, and I am confident that I won’t fall over. I kneel into child’s pose, arms outstretched in obedience.
Then there are the waves that tower over me, promising the ride of a lifetime but also the fear of the unknown. To jump in means following God’s call for my family, letting go of what has become our “normal” and letting Him take us on a new adventure.
I am afraid. My heart races and I want to walk away. What will this next step mean for my job? My freedom to what I want, when I want? Will it even happen? What if it does, and I fail? There are too many questions; too much is out of my control for me to feel comfortable. This is advanced yoga stretching – standing on my head, letting go and trying to remember to breath.
At such a time as this, I decide that I want to dive in head first into the waves God puts before me. I believe that He loves me and will stand as lifeguard as I do my best to let His current take over and move me where He desires me to be. He does not call us to follow Him and drown, He calls us to follow Him and live.
I am content. I am still afraid. I uncurl my toes from the sand and take a few timid steps into the water. God’s call on my life swirls gently around my ankles as I move forward, encouraging me to step out in faith. He is waiting, arms outstretched to help me through the difficult moments. He tells me to come in, the water is fine. And I dive in.
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” (Ephesians 11-12, The Message)
By Crystal Stine, Shine
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Kelly Langner Sauer says
yeah, so, um, were you living in my world today…?
shelly @ Life on the Wild Side says
Yea, Crystal!! Congrats on being the first guest poster!
Rebecca Canale says
Crystal, I love your courage … in Christ, … and your en-courage-ment to all of us to step out trusting in our God and all His promises! … Beautifully written! … Congratulations! … I love you sister! Becky : )
Stacey says
Diving deep and holding on for the ride…I love what I read this week in “Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe” ‘{Aslan} is not safe…but he is good.’ So true about the One who calls us to lay down our version of our dream and follow Him! It may not be safe, but it is so good!
Thanks for sharing!
Rebekah says
amen!! thanks for sharing stacey! “it may not be safe, but it is so good!” YES! 🙂
Stacey says
Diving deep and holding on for the ride…I love what I read this week in “Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe” ‘{Aslan} is not safe…but he is good.’ So true about the One who calls us to lay down our version of our dream and follow Him! It may not be safe, but it is so good!
Thanks for sharing!
Candy says
You know, you just described quite well why I named my blog “Twisted But Sweet”. The last year for me has been such a time of discovery and growth, in spite of all the setbacks.
Thank you for the reminder that He will be there with us throughout it all.
Candy says
You know, you just described quite well why I named my blog “Twisted But Sweet”. The last year for me has been such a time of discovery and growth, in spite of all the setbacks.
Thank you for the reminder that He will be there with us throughout it all.
Rebekah says
beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. and exactly what i’m going through. i, too, have never been more content and more afraid then right now in my life. those big waves are kind of scary.
and i think your line, “He does not call us to follow Him and drown. He calls us to follow Him and live.” is singularly, one of the best things i’ve read all week.
yowsa. why do we doubt?!
thanks for sharing crystal! AWESOME guest post! 🙂
Rebekah says
beautiful. beautiful. beautiful. and exactly what i’m going through. i, too, have never been more content and more afraid then right now in my life. those big waves are kind of scary.
and i think your line, “He does not call us to follow Him and drown. He calls us to follow Him and live.” is singularly, one of the best things i’ve read all week.
yowsa. why do we doubt?!
thanks for sharing crystal! AWESOME guest post! 🙂
deidra says
I love yoga. When I work my way through vinyasa, The Lords Prayer always meets me there. This was beautiful! Thanks!
amber says
oh my. this morning i was praying for direction regarding my career path, not sure what God wants me to do but asking for guidance. i totally feel God speaking through you, just asking me to trust Him. not knowing what He has in store IS scary yes, but i think we all know it’s worth it – we know He has only the best plans for us so there really is nothing to be scared about (but that doesn’t make it any easier i know :-). thank you for sharing – it’s amazing the sense of peace that comes from knowing that someone else can identify with what you’re going through.
Annette says
I am in tears reading your story today. I was so there this morning crying and being angry at God because I can’t do this anymore. I just want to give up. I’m so afraid of what lies ahead and I don’t trust God to pull me through. I find so much courage in your story and a gentle reminder from God that all I have to do is just let go and trust Him.
The little things were easy to do and to take steps trusting in God to lead. But this big step in my life is so hard to just let go. And your words… “He does not call us to follow Him and drown, He calls us to follow Him and live. ” Those are the words I need to believe in, to remember that God does love me and will see me through this even though I don’t feel I can.
Thank you.
Annette says
I am in tears reading your story today. I was so there this morning crying and being angry at God because I can’t do this anymore. I just want to give up. I’m so afraid of what lies ahead and I don’t trust God to pull me through. I find so much courage in your story and a gentle reminder from God that all I have to do is just let go and trust Him.
The little things were easy to do and to take steps trusting in God to lead. But this big step in my life is so hard to just let go. And your words… “He does not call us to follow Him and drown, He calls us to follow Him and live. ” Those are the words I need to believe in, to remember that God does love me and will see me through this even though I don’t feel I can.
Thank you.
April says
Thank you for this post. This is exactly where I am with the Lord right now…just trusting for Him to do what only He can do while I take my steps with Him towards new things and new places.
Holley Gerth says
Thanks for sharing this–brave, beautiful, daughter of His! I could so relate. Keep taking those steps of faith. I’m so grateful that you took this one and posted with us here! 🙂
Sarrilly says
Beautiful post, sister! 🙂 You encourage me with how you use your gift of words!
Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
Nicely written. I think we all feel like we are on the brink of Who know what whenever life changes or God draws us in a new direction. Reassuring to know He has it all in His plans. I like the Message translation of this verse.
Blessings,
Janis
Janis@Open My Ears Lord says
Nicely written. I think we all feel like we are on the brink of Who know what whenever life changes or God draws us in a new direction. Reassuring to know He has it all in His plans. I like the Message translation of this verse.
Blessings,
Janis