Yes, but I do.....

I have found myself, several times recently saying "I don't know...." It's always been a response to a prodding from within, or a nudging on the yoga mat.

"I don't know if I can do that."

"I don't know how it will turn out."

"I don't know if it will work."

"I don't know if I can be that brave."

"I don't know if I can start.... or stop..."

Inevitably, I hear: "Yes, but I do...."

Ah, the walk of faith.... Taking the step without knowing the path. Starting the project without knowing the final result. Daring to risk without knowing the dangers.

In the midst of the conversation, "I don't know..." seems like a very reasonable response, and a valid reason to hesitate or "decline the invitation". Yet, sitting here, writing out the fears, I laugh at myself.

Has there ever been a time where I have followed His lead and been led astray? No.

Has there ever been a task where my vision was better or grander than His? No.

Have I ever listened and dared and not been protected? Never.

Has He ever called me to a task and not provided everything I needed and more? Never.

So, what's the problem?

Remove my fear, lead me on.... May I walk in faith....

Standing Firm in the Midst of the Storm

So... couldn't tell you what exactly is going on here... but something is....

I feel like I am the target of arrows coming in all directions. So, I am doing all that I know how to do. Standing firm, holding tight to the faith that I will not be abandoned in this storm. Wearing the full armor of God, and breathing...

Be near me, Oh God. Protect me and those I love from the onslaught. Heal those who are sick. Help us to fully realize Your peace in the midst of the storm.

Give me the strength and the courage I need to rely fully on You....

And, yes, I WILL praise You in this storm....

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away


I Will Praise You in this Storm ~~ Casting Crowns

His Presence in the Darkness

Life has some "dark" times. There are sorrows and pains that inevitably accompany the joys of everyday life. Life changes, people change. We find ourselves in situations we never anticipated and certainly never wished for. We are forced to "grieve the loss" - of people, of our plans, and of our hopes and dreams. We are forced to face the unknown.

For me, the unknown is one of those "dark" places. Being forced to walk on faith as I see things changing around me is not always easy. When I feel the gentle nudge to step forward into the unknown, my first instinct is to stop.

Fortunately, I have been encouraged, time and time again, to step forth.... into the darkness, into the unknown. Sure, there are still times when I want to turn and run the other direction, but I have been taught to stand on faith and move forward. So, I close my eyes, take a good deep breath, and pray, pray, pray.

It takes courage. Initially, I was mistaken about courage. I thought courage was the absence of fear. Then I learned that courage is "fear that has said it's prayers". I also learned that sometimes I must "do it afraid".

But, time and time again, as I "do it afraid", I have experienced one undeniable truth. No matter how dark it seems, or how much I fear the unknown, ...or the pain: When I walk out on Faith, I am never walking alone.


"Yea, though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil; For Thou art with me" Ps 23:4