What’s holding you back?
“C’mon, Bethany, just do it! What’s holding you back?”
My feet waver on the small bank at the creek’s edge. I grip the rope tightly, hanging on for dear life. Heart thumping, mind awhirl of all the what-ifs and could-happens if I jump.
“1…2…3!”
Nope. Not yet. I just want to make sure I’ll be safe.
“Just go, you’ll be fine!” My dad and siblings encourage me, patience waning.
Try again.
Count backward this time. Clutch the rope, close my eyes.
“3…2…1…go!”
A few running steps, a tight slide and stop at the edge.
Nope. Still not ready.
“You can DO IT, Bethany. Stop thinking about it and just let go.”
Ok.
“1…2…3!”
Gripping the rope, I finally take my feet off the bank and swing out over the creek flowing through the woods behind our house. It’s a thrilling ride for an 8-year-old!
So often in life, we know something to be true, but fail to live it out. We cannot make the mind-heart connection.
We are hearers of the word, but not doers (James 1:22).
I find in those times of knowing, but waiting to feel, it is best to stop waiting and act on what we know.
Let go and trust God.
Run from your life of work, grab hold of God’s truth, and swing into God’s life of rest.
What’s holding you back?
Into the unknown- Fear of the unknown
If you have seen Frozen 2, that song is now running through your mind. While the lyrics are not theologically based, I can’t help but relate to the message:
I’m sorry secret siren but I’m blocking out your calls
I’ve had my adventure; I don’t need something new
I’m afraid of what I’m risking if I follow you… into the unknown.
What do you want? ‘Cause you’ve been keeping me awake.
Are you here to distract me so I make a big mistake?
Or are you someone out there who’s a little bit like me?
Who knows deep down I’m not where I’m meant to be?
We hear Him calling, but we try to shut it out.
Our life is fine the way it is, we don’t really need something new.
Following His call would be risky. We don’t know what we’re getting into, so we try to silence His voice.
But deep down we know… and He knows… we’re not where we’re meant to be.
It is difficult to let go and trust God when we do not know exactly where He’s leading. But be encouraged, because God’s Word tells us:
Isaiah 41:10 says Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
2 Timothy 1:7 says For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Philippians 4:6-7 says Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Stepping into the unknown when we’re yoked with Christ will always lead to soul-satisfying adventure, God’s rest, and peace that passes understanding.
I don’t believe you.
Maybe what’s holding you back is unbelief or lack of trust in God.
When I face those moments (we all do!), I need a good dose of truth. I need to say,
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24)
Then take the first step. He’s right there with you. Remember what you read about in Getting to Know God.
He is trustworthy.
He is asking, will you let me provide for you? Will you rely on my character and trust that I’m a good, gentle, and loving teacher?
Will you believe that I have rest for you, an abundant life for you, even if that rest and life of abundance may look different from your version?
You take that, I’ll keep this.
Have you made The Great Exchange? Have you traded your yoke for God’s, or are you still holding onto control, doing what you think is best in your marriage, parenting, job, etc.?
When you feel the pull of control, remember: God will provide.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
The great exchange is continual, we will need to do it over and over. But there’s always an open invitation to do so.
Bring all your cares and concerns to Christ in prayer (1 Peter 5:7). Leave your worries with him.
He will provide!
Will you leave your life of comfort and security?
Will you say Here I am, Lord, send me!
You jump, I jump
If you’ve ever seen James Cameron’s Titanic, you know that line well.
“You jump, I jump.” Jack says it to Rose as she’s hanging off the edge of the ship, contemplating a jump into the icy waters below.
What if we say that to God?
You jump, I jump, Lord. Where you go, I’ll go. Where you stay, I’ll stay (Ruth 1:16).
Vow to change: an encouraging call to action
Every morning for the next week, take a minute to pray the following prayer:
My Sweet Savior,
Thank you for the work you did on the cross- you paid my debt so I can have eternal rest with YOU! I lay the burden of my sin at the foot of your cross.
My Master,
Thank you for asking me to come under your yoke, where the burden is light and the yoke is easy. Help me learn what heart and soul rest looks like as I work next to you. Show me right now where You are plowing, open my eyes to the needs around me, especially the needs of my spouse.
My Teacher,
Thank you for being humble and gentle with me. Teach me today how to handle specific situations that will arise. Show me Your way of doing things and help me to rest in Your love so I can live a life of love poured out for you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Take this one step further. Write (or print) out this prayer and put it someplace you will see it. Pray this every morning for a month and watch how God will move in your heart and life!
Let us come alongside Christ and plow the field of God’s kingdom. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Do you want a marriage at rest?
Do you want to find lasting peace and balance in your life?
Stop seeking and searching for the balance you can’t find on your own. Seek and search HIM.
Grab hold tightly to the rope of God’s truth and swing into the life of restful running He has laid out for you.
Check it out
You will find more encouragement to make your marriage a one that’s at rest in the Appetizers and Dessert post. Check it out and enjoy more food for thought.
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