That’s why it’s called stepping out in faith, Mary!

31 Comments 29 April 2010

Those longish feet are mine. But they’re fraidy feet. They boast of many things like how fearless they are, how they’re up for amazing adventure, but the truth is, they’re scared to trust when the shoe rubber hits the grass.

I’ve been making a shift lately. Some of you have seen it here, discerned it. I’m stepping out into new territory, afraid, yet expectant. I’m embracing the calling God has whispered in my ear, confirmed through many of you.

I am to write for you.

For those who suffer.

For those who differ.

For those who feel alone.

In that, I’m seeing such growth. In me. And in you.

But I’m still a little scared to trust. To step forward. To throw my dreams at Jesus’ feet.

Odd how this has been one of the most stressful weeks of my year, full of money stress, angst, and a crazy roller-coaster ride of emotions. Such lows and highs. Criticism measured. Praise given. (I learned yesterday that I was a Christy Award Finalist for Daisy Chain.) Money pestering.

I hear the echoes of Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” I don’t know if going this new, streamlined direction will produce income. I can’t see the future. I don’t know what tomorrow holds. And often, I cower instead of rest in confidence. I’m a learner. A struggler. An honest girl who makes mistakes, afraid of stepping out for fear of failure.

And yet, there’s the calling.

Right now, I take one step into that unknown. Will you step with me?

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Shelly @ Life on the

Mary, I would love to step with you. I am afraid too. Have been for a long time. And yet, just because of a blog post I wrote this week, I am convinced yet again of what I need to do. Not sure I can. Not sure I want to. But I have to.
Shelly @ Life on the

Mary, I would love to step with you. I am afraid too. Have been for a long time. And yet, just because of a blog post I wrote this week, I am convinced yet again of what I need to do. Not sure I can. Not sure I want to. But I have to.
Ebony S

i'm a new reader and I, too, am stepping out into the unknown in a new area of my calling. Fear has kept my feet planted in the same place for too long and this week I took a step. One step taken in faith. And I'm about to take another. I'll share a word with you that I received, and I know it's relevant for you as well because it's found in the word of God. Ecclesiastes 11:1 – "cast your bread out on the water and after many days it will return to you." Before we see any results we have to take that risk. I will step out with you! Ebony
Ebony S

i'm a new reader and I, too, am stepping out into the unknown in a new area of my calling. Fear has kept my feet planted in the same place for too long and this week I took a step. One step taken in faith. And I'm about to take another. I'll share a word with you that I received, and I know it's relevant for you as well because it's found in the word of God. Ecclesiastes 11:1 – "cast your bread out on the water and after many days it will return to you." Before we see any results we have to take that risk. I will step out with you! Ebony
Ebony S

i'm a new reader and I, too, am stepping out into the unknown in a new area of my calling. Fear has kept my feet planted in the same place for too long and this week I took a step. One step taken in faith. And I'm about to take another. I'll share a word with you that I received, and I know it's relevant for you as well because it's found in the word of God. Ecclesiastes 11:1 – "cast your bread out on the water and after many days it will return to you." Before we see any results we have to take that risk. I will step out with you! Ebony
merri

I am also stepping out, terrified. I thought I was healed from my past and it all seemed like it happened to someone else. Until this week. Now the me of my past seems to be merging with me now and I am a terrified mess. I have to wait several weeks for counseling. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Mary, your books/blog have been instrumental in my journey lately. Your honesty makes me feel real. Thank you!
merri

I am also stepping out, terrified. I thought I was healed from my past and it all seemed like it happened to someone else. Until this week. Now the me of my past seems to be merging with me now and I am a terrified mess. I have to wait several weeks for counseling. Has this ever happened to anyone else? Mary, your books/blog have been instrumental in my journey lately. Your honesty makes me feel real. Thank you!
Lauren

I will take this step with you. I'm afraid of too many things – small, inconsequential things – and I need to foster my confidence and build my faith, my relationship with God – in a really big way. I will definitely take this step with you.
Lauren

I will take this step with you. I'm afraid of too many things – small, inconsequential things – and I need to foster my confidence and build my faith, my relationship with God – in a really big way. I will definitely take this step with you.
Cherie Hill

Sometimes, Mary, we have to do what my boys call, "Taking the Plunge." It's the faith that pleases God…and really, that's all that matters (pleasing God). We see things as they are on the surface…He sees things from an ENTIRELY different perspective. His ONLY goal is to transform you into the likeness of Christ. That's it. He will use this journey to do just that. Just when you think it's all about Him…when you're serving Him…laying it all down…He whispers…"It's all about you." As Jesus hung on the Cross…our viewpoint is that it's all about Him…He says, "It was all about you." His sacrifice was so that He would never have to live without you. In the meantime…until you see Him face to face…He's got some work for you to do and although you might believe that it's about what you're writing for the world…it's all about what God is writing on your heart.The key is…He is ALL you need…if you need more…He will not withold it. He's after your heart Mary…and He'll continue to refine you, until He sees His reflection. Being held to the fire is not painless process, but a necessary one. We must remember, He's the one holding us to the fire…He knows when to turn up the heat and He knows when to remove us from it. So, in your stressful, desperate times, know that God is waiting at His throne of grace, ready to embrace your fears…ready to take you by the hand and strengthen your Spirit to continue the journey in faith. In His presence, present troubles fade away.By the way, it's okay, step out here upon the water…I've found that Jesus' grip is strong…He won't let you go under. Love, hugs, and prayers,Cherie
Cherie Hill

Sometimes, Mary, we have to do what my boys call, "Taking the Plunge." It's the faith that pleases God…and really, that's all that matters (pleasing God). We see things as they are on the surface…He sees things from an ENTIRELY different perspective. His ONLY goal is to transform you into the likeness of Christ. That's it. He will use this journey to do just that. Just when you think it's all about Him…when you're serving Him…laying it all down…He whispers…"It's all about you." As Jesus hung on the Cross…our viewpoint is that it's all about Him…He says, "It was all about you." His sacrifice was so that He would never have to live without you. In the meantime…until you see Him face to face…He's got some work for you to do and although you might believe that it's about what you're writing for the world…it's all about what God is writing on your heart.The key is…He is ALL you need…if you need more…He will not withold it. He's after your heart Mary…and He'll continue to refine you, until He sees His reflection. Being held to the fire is not painless process, but a necessary one. We must remember, He's the one holding us to the fire…He knows when to turn up the heat and He knows when to remove us from it. So, in your stressful, desperate times, know that God is waiting at His throne of grace, ready to embrace your fears…ready to take you by the hand and strengthen your Spirit to continue the journey in faith. In His presence, present troubles fade away.By the way, it's okay, step out here upon the water…I've found that Jesus' grip is strong…He won't let you go under. Love, hugs, and prayers,Cherie
Gina Conroy

Self proclaimed scaredy cat here!! I'm stepping out in a new writing direction and it terrifies me. Will I be able to do/write what God wants me to, or will I ruin it all, fall flat on my face, and not tell the story well enough to reach those that need to hear it. So many doubts and questions, only one answer…Jesus!
Gina Conroy

Self proclaimed scaredy cat here!! I'm stepping out in a new writing direction and it terrifies me. Will I be able to do/write what God wants me to, or will I ruin it all, fall flat on my face, and not tell the story well enough to reach those that need to hear it. So many doubts and questions, only one answer…Jesus!
tcsoko

At least God calls us to take steps and not giant leaps – that way we can acclimatize to a small change at a time!
tcsoko

At least God calls us to take steps and not giant leaps – that way we can acclimatize to a small change at a time!
Heidi Bylsma

Nuts…stop asking me stuff like that! (Ok, just kidding…sort of…but, well, being honest.)Tell me how I can obey God in putting together this writing proposal and then freak out when I think "But what if it gets published!" It is like I don't want that. I don't want to work that hard. I don't want to work that deep. I go to bed with that on my mind and the first thing I read when I get online (other than pithy Facebook updates) is your blog post here…I am afraid that I am having to lay so much on the altar if I go forward with this…Maybe he will yet provide the ram in the thicket? But oh, laying my Isaac down is so hard…it feels like it violates everything he deems precious.Afraid? You bet I am. I am taking to heart your invitation…Going to be still with the Lord now.Thank you for your faithfulness.
Heidi Bylsma

Nuts…stop asking me stuff like that! (Ok, just kidding…sort of…but, well, being honest.)Tell me how I can obey God in putting together this writing proposal and then freak out when I think "But what if it gets published!" It is like I don't want that. I don't want to work that hard. I don't want to work that deep. I go to bed with that on my mind and the first thing I read when I get online (other than pithy Facebook updates) is your blog post here…I am afraid that I am having to lay so much on the altar if I go forward with this…Maybe he will yet provide the ram in the thicket? But oh, laying my Isaac down is so hard…it feels like it violates everything he deems precious.Afraid? You bet I am. I am taking to heart your invitation…Going to be still with the Lord now.Thank you for your faithfulness.
Mary DeMuth

Shelly, it's good to step together.Ebony, take that second step. I love that Ecclesiastes verse.Merri, the God of the universe holds you hand. Fear not.Lauren, hooray for stepping together.Cherie, taking the plunge is a great word picture, thanks.
Mary DeMuth

Shelly, it's good to step together.Ebony, take that second step. I love that Ecclesiastes verse.Merri, the God of the universe holds you hand. Fear not.Lauren, hooray for stepping together.Cherie, taking the plunge is a great word picture, thanks.
Mary DeMuth

Gina, you can do it (by His strength)Tcsoko, so true.Heidi, sorry to mess with you.
Mary DeMuth

Gina, you can do it (by His strength)Tcsoko, so true.Heidi, sorry to mess with you.
Messy mommy

Yikes! *Gulp* Wow! Stepping out is scary, frightening, terrifying … but it looks like I've got great company! *Deep Breath* Taking that step.
Messy mommy

Yikes! *Gulp* Wow! Stepping out is scary, frightening, terrifying … but it looks like I've got great company! *Deep Breath* Taking that step.
Susan Panzica – Eter

I bear witness with you, Mary. For so long, when God came calling with new "adventures", I ran the other way, consumed by fear. Then in 2008, I entered one open door, and suprisingly, I didn't die. So I went through the next open door. So many doors opened for me that year, that I nicknamed 2008 "Get Smart" because in the opening credits, Maxwell Smart goes through door after crazy door. …But it wasn't until he went through the door, that the next one opened, and so it was with me.I'm now calling this new phase of my life Get Smarter! I have so much to learn. I thank you for your willingness to share so honestly from your experiences. You have been a minister of healing, and a teacher to those who are behind you on the journey toward publication. I will sorely miss your wannabepublished, but I completely understand your re-evaluation of how to spend your days. Two quotes that (years ago) changed my life:There are only enough hours in the day to do what God wants you to do, and no more. Alan RedpathGood is the enemy of best. Oswald ChambersMay you feel the thrill of adventure as you step forward following His leading.Many blessings,Susan
Susan Panzica – Eter

I bear witness with you, Mary. For so long, when God came calling with new "adventures", I ran the other way, consumed by fear. Then in 2008, I entered one open door, and suprisingly, I didn't die. So I went through the next open door. So many doors opened for me that year, that I nicknamed 2008 "Get Smart" because in the opening credits, Maxwell Smart goes through door after crazy door. …But it wasn't until he went through the door, that the next one opened, and so it was with me.I'm now calling this new phase of my life Get Smarter! I have so much to learn. I thank you for your willingness to share so honestly from your experiences. You have been a minister of healing, and a teacher to those who are behind you on the journey toward publication. I will sorely miss your wannabepublished, but I completely understand your re-evaluation of how to spend your days. Two quotes that (years ago) changed my life:There are only enough hours in the day to do what God wants you to do, and no more. Alan RedpathGood is the enemy of best. Oswald ChambersMay you feel the thrill of adventure as you step forward following His leading.Many blessings,Susan
Andrea

Mary, your open heart and love for Jesus inspire me! I appreciate your realness! We all look for it, and it is easy to find in you, my friend!I do understand the trepidation of new things! I want to step with you. Right now, I am seeking God for answers. I am quite an indecisive one, and I truly want to obey God. So much so that I stand back on the bank and watch the river without stepping in. I simply don't want to do the wrong thing! Thanks for sharing!Andrea
Andrea

Mary, your open heart and love for Jesus inspire me! I appreciate your realness! We all look for it, and it is easy to find in you, my friend!I do understand the trepidation of new things! I want to step with you. Right now, I am seeking God for answers. I am quite an indecisive one, and I truly want to obey God. So much so that I stand back on the bank and watch the river without stepping in. I simply don't want to do the wrong thing! Thanks for sharing!Andrea
Mary DeMuth

Go Messy Mommy! You can do it.Susan, great words: Get Smart. Get Smarter!Andrea, may the Lord help you decide.
Mary DeMuth

Go Messy Mommy! You can do it.Susan, great words: Get Smart. Get Smarter!Andrea, may the Lord help you decide.
Julia

I, too, struggle with fear that often holds me back from God's best. I'm at a crossroads too and I think God is waiting for me to step forward in faith and though I'm shaking I feel my feet taking those baby steps forward.
Julia

I, too, struggle with fear that often holds me back from God's best. I'm at a crossroads too and I think God is waiting for me to step forward in faith and though I'm shaking I feel my feet taking those baby steps forward.