So last week I shared with you guys two keys for beating what’s weighing you down that I realized while driving and reflecting on the correlation between seeking God and a thankful attitude. Well, God was just full of fun insights for me on that drive!
Somewhere on the road between Frederick and Bowie, the song “Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED popped up in my playlist. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve heard this song probably well over a thousand times. I can sing along even without really paying attention to the words. But this particular time, one line stood out to me:
“Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander…”
I thought about it. We’re asking God to take us out of our comfort zones; to carry us beyond what we’re able to handle on our own. But… don’t we usually freak out when we’re in over our heads?? I know I do!
See, I like to be in control. I like to have both feet planted firmly on the ground and have a solid game plan for what, when, and how things will happen. But what I’m saying when I sing those words (mindlessly or not) totally flies in the face of all that.
That’s when it hit me. When things get beyond our control, we have a choice: to freak out because our feet can’t touch the ground, or to bask in our beautiful weightlessness in God’s ocean of grace.
Have you ever gone swimming and gotten far enough that the bottom was even beyond the reach of your tippy toes? I have. And you know what? I don’t think I’ve ever been scared in those times. I’ve always loved jumping the ocean waves and floating along, enjoying that weightless feeling and the sensation of the beautiful water all around me. That’s exactly how we should feel when we let God lead us into the depths of His love, grace and abundant promises for our lives.
It’s been said, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” Likewise, I don’t think God gives us a dream, vision, or purpose that we can accomplish on our own. If the whole point of our existence is to give Him glory, then that must mean He plans on doing some pretty big things in our lives for which He – and only He – gets the credit.
With that in mind, when we find ourselves in over our heads (that is, in the right context… more on that in a minute), we can actually be excited! Why? Because that MUST mean God’s about to do something amazing on our behalf!
Now let’s talk about context for a minute. It goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that intentionally diving into the deep end of bad judgment and irresponsibility is not the kind of “in over our heads” circumstances that we’re championing here. Of course, God is always able and always forgiving; but we cannot willfully set ourselves up to drown and expect Him to rescue us time and time again. In my humble opinion, that’s more like testing Him, which the Bible admonishes against.
That being said, when we’re praying for God to direct us, to make a way for us to follow the dreams He’s placed in our hearts, and to help us carry out the vision and purpose He’s shown us for our lives, we can be certain of two things: 1) Sooner or later, we’ll find ourselves far out into the waters of purpose where our feet can no longer touch the ground, and 2) That’s exactly where we need to be in order for God to do something big enough for Him to get the glory.
We don’t have to worry when we’re following God and find ourselves deeper than we can manage on our own. Sure, we might have to tread water for a little bit until that door of opportunity opens or that situation turns around. But we can be confident that God’s plans for us are good, so when we’re in over our heads, it’s not because we’re drowning. It’s because the current of His grace is carrying us to greater depths of realizing God’s glory.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you….Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters…This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.” – Isaiah 43:2, 16, 21
In other words, tread on, friends! When your heart is in the right place, when you’re doing all you’re supposed to do but you still feel like you’re in over your head, don’t freak out! Know God has you right where you need to be, and at just the right time He’ll do something spectacular that confirms every promise He’s ever spoken to you and broadcasts His glory to everyone who’s watching. Ride the waves of His grace and bask in the vastness of your Almighty God. He won’t let you drown!
Ever wonder where God is leading you or how to follow Him out into the deep waters of your created purpose? My new book, Purposed to Impact is all about letting God lead you through the discovery and real-life activation of your purpose in a way that’s easy to understand and implement. Need a little more clarity first? Start with my FREE 5-day Pathway To Purpose email course. Learn more about it here.