Walk on Water
By Britt Nicole
You look around
It's staring back at you
Another wave of doubt
Will it pull you under
You wonder
What if I'm overtaken
What if I never make it
What if no one's there?
Will you hear my prayer?
When you take that first step
Into the unknown
You know that he won't let you go
Chorus:
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water too
Verse 2:
So get out
And let
Your fear fall to the ground
No time to waste
Don't wait
Don't you turn around and miss out
Everything you were made for
I know you're not sure
So you play it safe
Try to run away
If you take that first step
Into the unknown
He won't let you go
Even when its storming
Even when you're broken
Even when your heart is telling you telling you to give up
When your hope is stolen
You can't see where you're going
You don't have to be afraid
So what are you waiting,
What are you waiting for?
So what are you waiting for?
What do you have to lose?
Your insecurities try to alter you
You know you're made for more
So don't be afraid to move
Your faith is all
It takes and you can
Walk on the water...
Walk on the water too
You can listen to the song - click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4ptPEm8gjE
Mathew 14
26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” NASB
I made a note to myself to write on this subject over a year ago but never moved forward to complete an article. Over the last couple of weeks I've heard the same bible story several times. Just like the words to the Britt Nicole song linked to this article, "What are you waiting for"? Get out of the boat, already. Get out of the boat! GET OUT OF THE BOAT!!
Isn't that how God speaks to us? All through the bible specific things are repeated or very specifically in a cluster of verses. It's repeated because it's important for us to understand or to motivate us to do something.
Over the last several weeks I was involved in a bible study based on the Carol Kent book, Becoming a Woman of Influence. During that time I received clear direction that I should be writing more. I believe that He is reinforcing that direction for me by repeating the bible story about getting out of the boat; my boat. I'm just floating along in safe, calm, shallow water. No waves, no rocking, no change; I'm not getting out of my boat.
Isn't the point of learning more about God and His plan for me all about change and trust? Yes, I'm supposed to change. Yes, if He sets the compass for uncharted waters, that is where I'm supposed to sail. Oh, by the way, I'm supposed to do it with confidence. And when He tells me to get out of the boat, that's what I'm supposed to do. I'ts what He wants all of us to do. Take courage in the fact that He is with me [us], no matter what.
Just like the apostles who were scared and then reassured by Jesus' presence. Just like Peter who sank when he doubted, we too can be lifted up. We have only to trust in Him, for all things (Check out how many times you see those two words, "all things", together in the Bible).
Oh boy! It's that surrender thing creeping up on me again. That's a tough one. How do we truly surrender all thing to Him? Well, it doesn't mean that we sit and wait for everything to be done for us. We have the tools. He's already equipped us. He wouldn't set us adrift alone. He wants us to do more than survive, He wants us to succeed. He wouldn't invite us to walk on water with Him and then let us sink, after all.
Take courage and get out of your boat. Trust Him in all things.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
A Nudge in His Direction
I recently attended a memorial service for a beloved lady at Church. Before the service began, a friend of mine came over to me and commented about my blog. As she began to talk about it, I began to feel that guilt about not doing enough with it and started telling her why I hadn’t posted in so long (almost eight months). It didn’t seem to matter. She didn't even hear me. She just kept going, but it’s what she was saying that stopped me mid-sentence.
She told me that I was in a battle. How could she know that? She told me that I just have to work through it and that I should keep writing. She went on to say that my writing was a gift, that I have important things to say, “especially for a young Christian.” It brought me to tears because while I know it was Dorothy's mouth, I felt like it was Jesus speaking to me, gently nudging me in the right direction; His direction.
Have you ever had an experience like this? Like you felt God was with you, I mean really close to you? Like He is telling you what His plan is for you? All summer I prayed about what His plan was for me and I believe He used a friend to confirm it for me. To remove the last roadblock.
How would Dorothy know that I was in a battle? Battle is a strong word, after all, but there were strong forces keeping me away from writing. There's procrastination and a busy schedule, or the idea that I had to be busy to be successful. I've had two of my children on my mind. Then there's the self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and on and on. We can put up all sorts of roadblocks to obeying.
I'm not in a spiritual battle of faith. I am steadfast in my Savior, but there's more to it than that. I haven't learned to put myself aside for Him. Not completely. This is an important point. I cannot pick and choose what I do for Him and think that will bring be closer to Him. It's about saying I give You my life Lord, and then doing it. Simply, following His direction promptly.
I believe He used my friend to nudge me in His direction. Since then, I've been writing and praying more about it. The writing may only be for my own good, for all I know. But I'm going to keep doing for Him.
She told me that I was in a battle. How could she know that? She told me that I just have to work through it and that I should keep writing. She went on to say that my writing was a gift, that I have important things to say, “especially for a young Christian.” It brought me to tears because while I know it was Dorothy's mouth, I felt like it was Jesus speaking to me, gently nudging me in the right direction; His direction.
Have you ever had an experience like this? Like you felt God was with you, I mean really close to you? Like He is telling you what His plan is for you? All summer I prayed about what His plan was for me and I believe He used a friend to confirm it for me. To remove the last roadblock.
How would Dorothy know that I was in a battle? Battle is a strong word, after all, but there were strong forces keeping me away from writing. There's procrastination and a busy schedule, or the idea that I had to be busy to be successful. I've had two of my children on my mind. Then there's the self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and on and on. We can put up all sorts of roadblocks to obeying.
I'm not in a spiritual battle of faith. I am steadfast in my Savior, but there's more to it than that. I haven't learned to put myself aside for Him. Not completely. This is an important point. I cannot pick and choose what I do for Him and think that will bring be closer to Him. It's about saying I give You my life Lord, and then doing it. Simply, following His direction promptly.
I believe He used my friend to nudge me in His direction. Since then, I've been writing and praying more about it. The writing may only be for my own good, for all I know. But I'm going to keep doing for Him.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
When Something Unexpected and Terrible Happens
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction... NAS
Just like the Third Day song says "Cry Out to Jesus." Easy for me to say, right? But it's not always easy to do. Especially when we don't understand why something terrible happens to us, or someone we love.
We were out of town for the weekend and as soon as we returned, my son went on Facebook to catch up with friends. He never expected to find out that two of his friends each lost there fathers.
One of the kids posted as if he were speaking to God, begging for the answer. Why? Why did you take him from me? The other posted right from her smart phone within an hour of her fathers' passing. It read something like, "I don't know what to say, I don't know what I'm supposed to do?" Both clearly despondent, and one sounding pretty angry at God.
It's easy for me to say "Cry out to Jesus." No one knows, truly knows, what another is feeling even if we've had the same experience. I lost my own father five years ago now, and I still have days when my heart aches for him. But I'm not a teenager. I can't imagine what I would have done or how I would have felt if I had lost him in my senior year of high school. At that time in my life, I think I would have been very angry at God, too.
Tonight I pray for these two children. I pray that they don't let their anger and sadness lead them away from God at this very fragile point in their young lives. I pray they would cry out to Jesus, asking for His help and comfort. He hears all of our pleas. If they are angry, I pray that they lay that anger at His feet and accept his comfort in return. While they have each lost their Earthly fathers, their Father in heaven will never leave them or forsake them. In Jesus name, I pray that they run to Him, now. Amen.
...the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction... NAS
Just like the Third Day song says "Cry Out to Jesus." Easy for me to say, right? But it's not always easy to do. Especially when we don't understand why something terrible happens to us, or someone we love.
We were out of town for the weekend and as soon as we returned, my son went on Facebook to catch up with friends. He never expected to find out that two of his friends each lost there fathers.
One of the kids posted as if he were speaking to God, begging for the answer. Why? Why did you take him from me? The other posted right from her smart phone within an hour of her fathers' passing. It read something like, "I don't know what to say, I don't know what I'm supposed to do?" Both clearly despondent, and one sounding pretty angry at God.
It's easy for me to say "Cry out to Jesus." No one knows, truly knows, what another is feeling even if we've had the same experience. I lost my own father five years ago now, and I still have days when my heart aches for him. But I'm not a teenager. I can't imagine what I would have done or how I would have felt if I had lost him in my senior year of high school. At that time in my life, I think I would have been very angry at God, too.
Tonight I pray for these two children. I pray that they don't let their anger and sadness lead them away from God at this very fragile point in their young lives. I pray they would cry out to Jesus, asking for His help and comfort. He hears all of our pleas. If they are angry, I pray that they lay that anger at His feet and accept his comfort in return. While they have each lost their Earthly fathers, their Father in heaven will never leave them or forsake them. In Jesus name, I pray that they run to Him, now. Amen.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Summer School
As I just finished a bible study by Carol Kent, Becoming a Woman of Influence, I began to wonder if God had planted a seed for me to follow a path of learning, writing, and teaching. Was it God or just a prideful desire of mine alone. All summer I struggled with that question and the ongoing doubt about my own ability to do any of those things successfully.
Let me back up a bit. It all started when I was asked to facilitate a bible study at church last spring. I've wanted to teach on-line college classes for a long time now, but the one time I tried to land that second job, it didn't work out. Now someone really wanted me to teach? Did they really think I was capable, because I sure didn't see myself that way? You see, when faced with the opportunity, I freaked out a little bit, even though teaching is something I wanted to try.
Wait a minute. I wouldn't be teaching, but merely facilitating the class. You know, keeping things going while we all learned the material. It wasn't about me, it was about God. It should always be about God. OK, I could do that, and with encouragement from our Sisters Group leader and lots of help from God, I did. For the next nine weeks a small group of us met, and studied, and learned about prayer together. Guess what? I liked it.
At the end of the session, I was asked to facilitate the next season, too. Three of us determined to carry out our church's theme of discipleship and began searching for just the right bible study. That's when I found the Kent study and the others agreed it was the right study for us. I ordered it and planned to read it while on vacation, but when it didn't come I brought another book to read. This one was about women in the bible. In retrospect I believe God determined the order of these events. He always knows what we need.
I approached the book like a bible study. I compared the qualities of these women to those in my own character. I read their bible stories trying to understand myself and determine my own progress in this Christian walk. I was able to draw upon the previous study on prayer to have many deep conversations with God during this time, asking Him to use me, telling Him I was ready. That I wanted to understand what He has planned for me. I wanted to know how I would to recognize the opportunities when presented. I asked Him to help me understand all of it. I still haven't learned how to be quiet and listen. There might be a problem with patience too.
All summer I kept thinking about learning, writing, and teaching.
When we got home from vacation, the Becoming a Woman of Influence bible study and book had arrived and I dove right in. That's when the feelings of doubt and confusion returned but I continued to read and study.
During that time I came across an article in my study bible about obedience. Ironically, obedience is one of the first topics I wrote about in this blog. Sometime after finishing the study I found myself with some quiet time and decided to revisit that article, but I couldn't seem to find it. As I thumbed through the pages I found other articles that spoke to my heart. The first was entitled How can God use an imperfect person like me?, and the second Do I have a role in communicating God's truth to others? Down at the bottom of that article was a reference to the one I couldn't find, Obedience always brings blessing. I believe God arranged the order in which I would find those articles that day because He had specific things to tell me. He has specific things to tell all of us.
God is truly amazing. I feel like this was some sort of confirmation for me. Like it was God answering all my questions and telling me to move forward with the confidence that I was acting for Him and not for me. Don't misunderstand me, I am human and I like being the teacher, oops that's facilitator. There are ladies in our class that could be teaching, really teaching, bible studies and I look up to them. I'm learning from them.
Yes, I'm human and have to be careful not to make this about me but to always keep it about God. A faithful sister friend wrote to me of her own struggle in this area and cautioned me, in a loving way, to guard against being prideful. We ordered eight books before knowing if anyone would sign up and we have eight ladies in the fourth week of the Becoming a Women of Influence bible study. I can't wait to find out what He has planned for me next.
Reference:
John MacArthur, Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You
Charles F. Stanley, Life Principles Bible NAS
Let me back up a bit. It all started when I was asked to facilitate a bible study at church last spring. I've wanted to teach on-line college classes for a long time now, but the one time I tried to land that second job, it didn't work out. Now someone really wanted me to teach? Did they really think I was capable, because I sure didn't see myself that way? You see, when faced with the opportunity, I freaked out a little bit, even though teaching is something I wanted to try.
Wait a minute. I wouldn't be teaching, but merely facilitating the class. You know, keeping things going while we all learned the material. It wasn't about me, it was about God. It should always be about God. OK, I could do that, and with encouragement from our Sisters Group leader and lots of help from God, I did. For the next nine weeks a small group of us met, and studied, and learned about prayer together. Guess what? I liked it.
At the end of the session, I was asked to facilitate the next season, too. Three of us determined to carry out our church's theme of discipleship and began searching for just the right bible study. That's when I found the Kent study and the others agreed it was the right study for us. I ordered it and planned to read it while on vacation, but when it didn't come I brought another book to read. This one was about women in the bible. In retrospect I believe God determined the order of these events. He always knows what we need.
I approached the book like a bible study. I compared the qualities of these women to those in my own character. I read their bible stories trying to understand myself and determine my own progress in this Christian walk. I was able to draw upon the previous study on prayer to have many deep conversations with God during this time, asking Him to use me, telling Him I was ready. That I wanted to understand what He has planned for me. I wanted to know how I would to recognize the opportunities when presented. I asked Him to help me understand all of it. I still haven't learned how to be quiet and listen. There might be a problem with patience too.
All summer I kept thinking about learning, writing, and teaching.
When we got home from vacation, the Becoming a Woman of Influence bible study and book had arrived and I dove right in. That's when the feelings of doubt and confusion returned but I continued to read and study.
During that time I came across an article in my study bible about obedience. Ironically, obedience is one of the first topics I wrote about in this blog. Sometime after finishing the study I found myself with some quiet time and decided to revisit that article, but I couldn't seem to find it. As I thumbed through the pages I found other articles that spoke to my heart. The first was entitled How can God use an imperfect person like me?, and the second Do I have a role in communicating God's truth to others? Down at the bottom of that article was a reference to the one I couldn't find, Obedience always brings blessing. I believe God arranged the order in which I would find those articles that day because He had specific things to tell me. He has specific things to tell all of us.
God is truly amazing. I feel like this was some sort of confirmation for me. Like it was God answering all my questions and telling me to move forward with the confidence that I was acting for Him and not for me. Don't misunderstand me, I am human and I like being the teacher, oops that's facilitator. There are ladies in our class that could be teaching, really teaching, bible studies and I look up to them. I'm learning from them.
Yes, I'm human and have to be careful not to make this about me but to always keep it about God. A faithful sister friend wrote to me of her own struggle in this area and cautioned me, in a loving way, to guard against being prideful. We ordered eight books before knowing if anyone would sign up and we have eight ladies in the fourth week of the Becoming a Women of Influence bible study. I can't wait to find out what He has planned for me next.
Reference:
John MacArthur, Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You
Charles F. Stanley, Life Principles Bible NAS
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sanctity of Life Revelation
Sanctity of life week was the week of Jan. 23, 2010.
Renee, my first and one of the most precious gifts from God. She is my oldest daughter.
I was young, only 17 years old. It was first time I was knowingly faced with a life-changing decision.
Another life changing decision I unknowingly made at that same age was one that I didn't realize would change my life. It was to become a mother.
All of that part of my life was recently brought so clearly to mind during a visit to a local Christian book store. That's when I was asked to sponsor an unknown Teen Mom by purchasing a bible for her.
By the end of that brief encounter with the store clerk making the request, I couldn't even see where to sign my name, but for the tears clouding my vision. It all came back to me. We spent some time sharing stories of that time in our lives. The store clerk made the decision to end the life of her unborn child. Two strangers finding that we are both still coping with those self-inflicted circumstances of our youth.
Dreams lost.
Regret.
Loneliness.
Guilt.
Shame.
What the store clerk and I have both learned since that very confusing time, a time when we made our own decisions without relying on God's help, is that He forgives. Over and over, He forgives. The most important gift to us, His precious gift, the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross was for the forgiveness of our sins. We are forgiven, Praise God for that!
I read the following verses at the wedding of my youngest daughter because they were so pertinent to the marriage of she and her husband, but that's a story for another time. When I first discovered Psalm 139, it was my Renee that came to mind.
Psalm 139 (New International Version, ©2011)
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
He knew what I would do because all the days ordained for me were written in [His] book before one of them came to be (ref vs. 16). He new that Renee would be given to me. He trusted me with her life.
What if I had thrown that trust away? Thank God for parents who supported me in everything, with the one exception. When I, in a frantic fit of desperation at 17 and pregnant, decided that abortion might be a way out, my very kind father put just put his arms around me. He said that it was not an option, that he and my mother would support any other option. That we could, would, and did get through as a family. They were another of God's gifts to me, not every young mother-to-be is as fortunate.
It took a long time to realize that with Jesus, there is no regret, no longer loneliness, no guilt or shame, and the dreams I had at the time have all be fulfilled.
I've since had three other children, almost all are grown up. They are all my most precious gifts from God.
Renee was, and is, very special to me. We grew up together. She was my experiment. I didn't know what I was doing but seemed to muddle through it all. For that I hope she forgives me, because I know I made many mistakes along the way. She has grown into a beautiful woman and wonderful mother of two of my grandchildren, and I thank God for her every day.
Renee, my first and one of the most precious gifts from God. She is my oldest daughter.
I was young, only 17 years old. It was first time I was knowingly faced with a life-changing decision.
Another life changing decision I unknowingly made at that same age was one that I didn't realize would change my life. It was to become a mother.
All of that part of my life was recently brought so clearly to mind during a visit to a local Christian book store. That's when I was asked to sponsor an unknown Teen Mom by purchasing a bible for her.
By the end of that brief encounter with the store clerk making the request, I couldn't even see where to sign my name, but for the tears clouding my vision. It all came back to me. We spent some time sharing stories of that time in our lives. The store clerk made the decision to end the life of her unborn child. Two strangers finding that we are both still coping with those self-inflicted circumstances of our youth.
Dreams lost.
Regret.
Loneliness.
Guilt.
Shame.
What the store clerk and I have both learned since that very confusing time, a time when we made our own decisions without relying on God's help, is that He forgives. Over and over, He forgives. The most important gift to us, His precious gift, the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross was for the forgiveness of our sins. We are forgiven, Praise God for that!
I read the following verses at the wedding of my youngest daughter because they were so pertinent to the marriage of she and her husband, but that's a story for another time. When I first discovered Psalm 139, it was my Renee that came to mind.
Psalm 139 (New International Version, ©2011)
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
He knew what I would do because all the days ordained for me were written in [His] book before one of them came to be (ref vs. 16). He new that Renee would be given to me. He trusted me with her life.
What if I had thrown that trust away? Thank God for parents who supported me in everything, with the one exception. When I, in a frantic fit of desperation at 17 and pregnant, decided that abortion might be a way out, my very kind father put just put his arms around me. He said that it was not an option, that he and my mother would support any other option. That we could, would, and did get through as a family. They were another of God's gifts to me, not every young mother-to-be is as fortunate.
It took a long time to realize that with Jesus, there is no regret, no longer loneliness, no guilt or shame, and the dreams I had at the time have all be fulfilled.
I've since had three other children, almost all are grown up. They are all my most precious gifts from God.
Renee was, and is, very special to me. We grew up together. She was my experiment. I didn't know what I was doing but seemed to muddle through it all. For that I hope she forgives me, because I know I made many mistakes along the way. She has grown into a beautiful woman and wonderful mother of two of my grandchildren, and I thank God for her every day.
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