Into the deep
I don’t really like water, unless it is clear, contained and shallow. I would much rather sit with my toes squishing into the sand and only take an occasional dip in the pool to cool off. I don’t really like bathing suits either, but that’s a post for another time.
I prefer not to step in oceans or lakes, where the murky water hides what’s beneath. I like to be able to see where I am stepping, and to know that my feet will remain on solid ground.
I like comfort and safety. Who doesn’t? But, God is calling me out of my comfort zone and into deep waters with Him, where it’s new and risky and far from comfortable.
All of my doubts, fears, and insecurities scream, “Stay within the lines! Play it safe. Why put yourself out THERE?”
And yet, that VOICE, His tender voice that whispers, “You don’t have to be afraid. I have redeemed you, and you are mine. I am your permanent life vest and I will not let you drown. Hold onto me and listen to my voice. Follow me.”
And into the deep waters we go! It is exhilarating. The beautiful colors and sounds are incredible. I feel alive and my eyes are full of passion. It is quite the adventure, until I experience my first shark bite of rejection. Ouch. And then my second. And then more….
Whether it is words, glances, or body language, rejection makes me want to lift both arms up, exhale deeply and sink all the way To. The. Bottom. Every. Time.
It hinders me.
I curl up in anguish, and He is there. He lifts me up to the light and whispers, “That was not my voice.” He holds me close while I float in the bright sunshine and we talk about how we got here. He reminds me how we made it this far. I start to feel strong again. I glance back at the chair and umbrella on the shore and this time I don’t long for comfort anymore.
I simply long for Him.
I don’t want to let go.
I want to keep going.
Is God calling you to step into deep waters with Him? It may be way beyond your comfort zone. There will be fear, risk and even rejection. Don’t let the pain of rejection hinder the work He has started in you.
Remember the Voice that called you by name. You are His.
Take His hand and He will gently lead you. He will teach you to recognize His Voice, to follow him, and to trust Him. Cling to the promise of Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters,
HE will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Where is He calling you? How will you respond? How do you recover when you experience rejection?
Linking up with Suzie Eller:
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I needed this! Thanks
Love you Lee. Did you recognize those pictures? They are from our beautiful trip to Jamaica last year! Love it.
thank you for sharing, you have captured my thought exactly on the fear of going into the deep. But you have also encoruaged me to place my faith and trust in the arms of my loving Father to guide and comfort me.
Thank you Jerri, for being there. You are truly encouraging hope to me and so many others! Keep going deep, friend!
Great post- it is easy to let our doubts and insecurities drown out God’s voice and make us want to retreat to where it feels safe. It’s so important to hold to his truth- I love that verse from Isaiah.
Thank you Carly! I am so thankful that He helps us to hear His voice and His truth for us, even in the noise. Yes, that verse is one of my favorites and a great one to hold onto! Blessings to you!
You capture me with your word pictures. You take me where I need to face deep waters while reminding of who holds me up and teaches me to walk about the scary things below.
Christ has called me to share my writings more. I feel like I’m on the beach is a bathing suit that exposes me. I would rather stay in the beach house covered, cool and charming. However, I’m willing to be exposed if I can point to Christ who will lift them up as well with His redeeming love.
Write on, dear friend.
Thank you Carolyn. I am so thankful you are sharing your writings because they are a beautiful gift and will definitely point others to Him and His redeeming love. Keep writing, keep sharing, and maybe one day we can read together in the beach house and catch up!
Now a day reading on the beach with you would be a God given treat. However, I expect we wouldn’t read much but brag on Jesus a whole bunch. 😉
Oh Michelle, I so identify with this. I have too long let those doubts, fears, and insecurities hold me back. It’s so much easier to stay where we feel safe and comfortable, isn’t it? I have let rejections push me deeper into my shell and stifle gifts God has given me to glorify Him. This really chokes me up – “I curl up in anguish, and He is there. He lifts me up to the light and whispers, “That was not my voice.”” I love that Isaiah verse. Thank you so much for speaking my heart and reminding me that God is with us and He will never, ever reject us. Please keep writing, my friend. Blessings and hugs to you!
Trudy, you are such a blessing to me. I know you understand the noise that drowns out His voice at times, and yet He keeps encouraging us and helping us when we struggle. Thank you for sharing your heart and going into the deep with Him too, because you are shining His light into the darkness! Hugs to you!
SO Busted….I didn’t realize how much I am hiding parts of life from the light. Thank you Michelle for this post AND for pulling me into the light with your words :). Keep going!!!
Thank you Anglea! I am so thankful for you, and all of the times you have gently nudged (& pushed) me. I am so glad God had us sit together in that first class. I will never forget it. 🙂 You keep going too, friend. Remember the elevator… that is a great reminder!
Yes Lord! Take me into the deep where you are! Thanks for the reminder Michelle! The deep place is where He dwells, I can wade in to the deep and rest in His arms. He is there to meet us!!
Yes, He is! Thank you, Susan. Your music, and your angel voice has made such an impact on me already! God is using you in mighty ways. So thankful for you!
This is beautiful! I love how you describe Him holding you close and talking with you in the sunshine💗 Love these verses-some of my favorites! You are brave, friend! Keep stepping! He’s doing amazing things!!💗
God is “our permanent life vest”. I love that! Great post Michelle, Cindy #livefreeThursday
Thank you for being you and for helping the rest of us have faith too.