Don't Be Afraid of the Water!

Hi, there!  Hardly seems a week has passed since I posted the blog announcing the "Dear Dee Dee" column, featured Saturdays at Sisters in Cahoots!  I am excited about this opportunity to serve you by sharing God's answers to your questions.  I join my fellow bloggers in inviting you to stop by our blog daily (better yet, subscribe!) for inspiration, writing tips, humor, information, and fun!



This week's letter comes from fellow author, Amanda Stephan. 

Dear Dee Dee –

I have a question. When you're asked to do something out of your comfort zone, do you panic? How do you handle situations that seem so out of control that you just want to hide?

Wow, what a great question, Amanda!  There are times when we are all called upon to do things that take us way out of our comfort zone.  It is natural to be nervous and even reluctant to venture into the unknown.  Just look at Moses!  He felt like a wimp and even told God he was incompetent, but God used him to accomplish a God-sized task – to deliver the Hebrews from 400 years of captive servitude in Egypt. 

Our great God has an amazing way of taking a willing  (or in Moses' case, an unwilling) vessel, pouring His power and anointing into it, and doing something that far exceeds our expectations and abilities.  Whether our challenge is to stand in front of people and give a presentation or take on a project or job role we feel unqualified to do, we can avoid panic if we keep these things in mind:

1.  PRAY – First and foremost, from beginning to end, pray about the situation and have others pray with and for you.  God hears and answers the prayers of His children, and He loves for us to ask for help when we feel powerless.  "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:18-19).

2.  PREPARE – Taking as much time as you have available (even if it isn't much), prepare by studying your material, knowing who your audience is (or what the task will require of you), and putting in writing at least the major points you want to cover in your presentation or the steps it will take to accomplish the task ahead of you.  "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2).  "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

3.  PRACTICE – Use your notes and practice in front of a mirror, making sure to look up from your notes as often as possible.  Try not to read everything word for word.  Making eye contact with your audience will keep them interested in what you have to say.  "I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way" (2 Corinthians 11:6).  "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever" (1 Corinthians 9:25).

4.  PERSONALITY – Put on a happy face! Smile!  Be yourself, the unique and gifted person God created you to be.  Use your God-given intelligence, humor, and gifting to build rapport with and engage your audience or the team of individuals it might take to accomplish your project.  "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).  "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4) 

5.  PRETEND (visualize) – As you practice, prepare, and pray about the challenge before you, pretend that you have succeeded in your endeavor.  In other words, visualize how you want it to go and the results you want to achieve.  See yourself speaking eloquently, acquiring the knowledge and skills to tackle that project, and know that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8)

6.  POWER -- Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to encourage and give you confidence.  "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9)



7.  PROMISES – Stand on God's promises to be with you, to go before you, to give you the mind of Christ, to provide for you, to give you grace to help you in time of need, and to complete the good work He has begun in you.  You are not standing at the podium or facing your challenge alone.  He is with you!   "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (2 Peter 1:4).  "The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made" (Psalm 145:13).

8.  PRAISE – Praise God for the chance to make a difference in all you do and thank Him for seeing you through.  Praise Him for equipping you to do that which He has called you to do.  "Praise the LORD.  How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! (Psalm 147:1)

Don't be afraid of the water!  Step out of the boat with courage, knowing that Christ is there to help you succeed.  Just remember to give Him the glory for all He does in and through you!

*****************If you have a question you want answered, email deedeewike@gmail.com or mail your question to:

Dee Dee WikePO Box 193Collierville, TN  38027-0193Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com