Stories

Guest author Sandra Adcock is a Bent Tree member who utilizes her personal blog to expound on her journey of Life in Christ. The following story was originally published at sandraadcock.com. As Sandra likes to say, "Trusting in Jesus, you have more treasure than pockets."

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Growing up, my grandmother would always say, “You can’t get in the water until you know how to swim.” Seems harmless. But, can you hear the fear? The perfectionistic mantra? Know how to, before you risk.

The Voice of Fear

I’m convinced the Evil One uses perfectionism against us; trying to keep us from living the life Jesus has for us. The Spirit initiates a great idea. Opens the door to a new opportunity. Calls you out into the unknown. A grand adventure. And what happens next?

Images, of what-could-be, light up your mind. A thrill, like shooting stars, fly through your body. Nothing like a fired up believer to send Satan into a panic. So, he incites the voices of perfection. You’re not good enough. Who do you think you are? Suddenly, fear takes the reigns.

“Fear–the frantic effort to appear recovered.” Anne Lamott

The frantic effort to appear…successful, brilliant, beautiful, put together, superior, etc.

The Voice of God

But God does extraordinary things through ordinary people.

"Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:29)

Remember, God is always in the business of moving you from independence to dependence on him. What if Peter had said to Jesus, “I can’t get in the water until I learn how to swim?” He would have missed the extraordinary.

So how do you let down your defenses, realizing your weaknesses and vulnerabilities will be exposed? Trusting Jesus, you ask him to release your grip that holds your image. You entrust Jesus with your reputation.

You can get in the water because the One who can swim lives within you! It is the unseen reality in you that matters.

Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

The Power of God Always Trumps Fear

Every single week as I write, sometimes before I press publish, "Who do you think you are?" will rummage through my soul. I’m not a trained writer. I didn’t go to seminary. I can’t write until I know how to write.

But, I’m not the writer. I’m the pen. An instrument in the hands of the One who knows how to write. It’s the unseen reality in you that matters.

So, play along with me. What’s your version of, “I can’t get in the water until I know how to swim?”

I can’t ____________ until I ______________.

But what if you believed you were an instrument in God’s hands? What if you believed God does extraordinary things through ordinary people?

Letting go of the frantic effort to appear _____________. You entrust Jesus with your image and believe, I can _______________ because the One who __________________ lives within me!

Question: Are images of what-could-be lighting up your mind? Like shooting stars, flying through your body?