As I sat in a quaint little cottage in Elk Grove, California not long ago, I found myself marveling over the rustic and beautiful decor that was oddly appropriate to my life circumstances in that moment. Directly above me at the time I started writing was a sign that read happily ever after. Over a nearby light switch was a strategically placed wall hanging that said dream. The guestbook on a table near the front door contained a world map with surrounding words like journey and adventure. The room still lingers freshly in my mind although it has been weeks since I was there. I inhaled the decorative encouragement and savored the brief, but sweet, escape to familiarity. I had never actually been to Elk Grove prior to that trip, but I was back home. In California. It didn't matter to me in that moment that Elk Grove wasn't where I wanted to permanently settle. I would sort the details out as I continued to move forward. The only thing I knew for certain in that moment is that I was blessed, grateful, and forever changed by the moment on Maui that led to it all.
In September of last year, I made the decision to take a job on Maui. I based the determination on a number of factors, many of which boiled down to a desire of living without regrets. I wanted to make the most of every opportunity presented to me and know, with conviction, that I was living my best possible life, not just for myself but also for my two kids. I didn't know what the outcome of my decision at that time would be, but I did know that I wanted to be able to reflect on it all years down the road without wishing I had done something differently. Whether the decision led to success or failure, blessing or disaster, I longed to be able to walk fearlessly into an unknown future hand in hand with the God who knows and sees all (Hebrews 4:13). I sought to follow His lead, and I believed I was. I wanted to model bravery and courage to my kids, and show them that even if we fail, God Almighty weaves our lives together beautifully no matter what (Romans 8:28). I wanted to be like Peter and step out of the comfort of my life's boat (Matthew 14:28-31), daring to trust that if I slipped He wouldn't let me drown. I wanted to face my own fears and take the risk of putting myself wholly into the holy hands of God. I longed for the answer to the question of what would happen if I did entrust myself entirely to His care, and this is what I learned:
Take the risk. Pursue the adventure. Answer the call. Go into the unknown. Be wise enough to count the cost (Luke 14:28), but bold enough to make the dream happen no matter what the figures say. They could be wrong because "what's impossible with man is possible with God" (Luke 18:27). The timing will hardly ever be just right and your finances will rarely beg you to bid farewell to the comforts of predictability and familiarity. The hardships will be real and the trials fierce (John 16:33), but your intimacy with God will go deeper than you've ever imagined (Acts 14:22), and when you look back, you'll have the peace and joy of knowing that you tried (James 4:2). Even if you fail.
For me, the move to Maui was an epic failure in many ways, but I wouldn't trade the brief moment I was there for the lifetime of regret and wonder I would experience had I not gone. Living there wasn't for me, but now I know, a hard won conviction that I wouldn't have if I had never gotten on that plane. I experienced hardship on an unexpected level while I was there, and like Peter, I took my eyes off the Lord just long enough to start sinking. However, at my lowest moments of despair and confusion and doubt, His loving and merciful hand reached down to save me. Again and again and again. He really means it when He says "never will I leave you, never will I forsake you," (Deuteronomy 31:6), but sometimes we have to face our greatest fears to fully experience this promise.
What are you afraid of? What risks are you shying away from taking because you can't predict the outcome? We are told repeatedly throughout the bible to "fear not," and my favorite version of the command is in Isaiah 41:10 that says "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.." That said, you can read it a hundred times and still feel fearful about something, so be willing to take forward steps even if your knees are shaking and your heart is pounding. And when the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone in 2019 comes knocking on your door - Answer. Take the risk. Pursue the adventure. Go into the unknown. And when you're afraid, whisper Psalm 56:3 that says "when I am afraid I will put my trust in You." And then go!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
--2 Timothy 1:7
In September of last year, I made the decision to take a job on Maui. I based the determination on a number of factors, many of which boiled down to a desire of living without regrets. I wanted to make the most of every opportunity presented to me and know, with conviction, that I was living my best possible life, not just for myself but also for my two kids. I didn't know what the outcome of my decision at that time would be, but I did know that I wanted to be able to reflect on it all years down the road without wishing I had done something differently. Whether the decision led to success or failure, blessing or disaster, I longed to be able to walk fearlessly into an unknown future hand in hand with the God who knows and sees all (Hebrews 4:13). I sought to follow His lead, and I believed I was. I wanted to model bravery and courage to my kids, and show them that even if we fail, God Almighty weaves our lives together beautifully no matter what (Romans 8:28). I wanted to be like Peter and step out of the comfort of my life's boat (Matthew 14:28-31), daring to trust that if I slipped He wouldn't let me drown. I wanted to face my own fears and take the risk of putting myself wholly into the holy hands of God. I longed for the answer to the question of what would happen if I did entrust myself entirely to His care, and this is what I learned:
Take the risk. Pursue the adventure. Answer the call. Go into the unknown. Be wise enough to count the cost (Luke 14:28), but bold enough to make the dream happen no matter what the figures say. They could be wrong because "what's impossible with man is possible with God" (Luke 18:27). The timing will hardly ever be just right and your finances will rarely beg you to bid farewell to the comforts of predictability and familiarity. The hardships will be real and the trials fierce (John 16:33), but your intimacy with God will go deeper than you've ever imagined (Acts 14:22), and when you look back, you'll have the peace and joy of knowing that you tried (James 4:2). Even if you fail.
For me, the move to Maui was an epic failure in many ways, but I wouldn't trade the brief moment I was there for the lifetime of regret and wonder I would experience had I not gone. Living there wasn't for me, but now I know, a hard won conviction that I wouldn't have if I had never gotten on that plane. I experienced hardship on an unexpected level while I was there, and like Peter, I took my eyes off the Lord just long enough to start sinking. However, at my lowest moments of despair and confusion and doubt, His loving and merciful hand reached down to save me. Again and again and again. He really means it when He says "never will I leave you, never will I forsake you," (Deuteronomy 31:6), but sometimes we have to face our greatest fears to fully experience this promise.
What are you afraid of? What risks are you shying away from taking because you can't predict the outcome? We are told repeatedly throughout the bible to "fear not," and my favorite version of the command is in Isaiah 41:10 that says "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.." That said, you can read it a hundred times and still feel fearful about something, so be willing to take forward steps even if your knees are shaking and your heart is pounding. And when the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone in 2019 comes knocking on your door - Answer. Take the risk. Pursue the adventure. Go into the unknown. And when you're afraid, whisper Psalm 56:3 that says "when I am afraid I will put my trust in You." And then go!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
--2 Timothy 1:7
Beautifully written, as always. ❤️
ReplyDeleteLove you Melissa !!
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
ReplyDelete