Do You Color Outside the Lines?

“Ha! We took bets on whether you could color outside the lines – the resounding answer was NO.” That was my friend’s response after seeing my first masterpiece.

It happened about a year ago. I was home with the flu and my Bible study group kindly delivered me groceries (actually, they left the bag on the porch, rang the doorbell, and ran away – not that I blamed them). However, at the bottom of the bag was a “princess” coloring book and crayons. I laughed at first, but by that time I had been cooped up for a week. When I took a picture of one of my first drawings, my Bible study group teased me, “We knew you’d never color outside the lines!” In my defense, I did draw a cross inside the “ballroom” to turn it into a church. It was time the princess met Jesus. 

I love my small group. For weeks, they have patiently listened to my frustrations regarding the Bible study I am writing.

“I can’t seem to finish chapter five.”

“Well, why don’t you just start working on chapter six?” someone asked.

“Because I want to finish chapter five.”

This wasn’t the first time this was suggested, but I like things done in order. It just seems wrong to write chapter six before I finish chapter five. Yet, they gently challenged me, “What if God has a different order in mind?”

I’ll admit it. I struggle for control.

Perhaps you can relate. Maybe in your workplace or relationships … even health can become an area over which we obsess for control. But what if by clinging to our own way, we miss something wonderful God wants to do? What if all of this striving for control is precisely what keeps us from experiencing the Spirit-led life of power and adventure our hearts crave?

Here’s what I’ve found: very often our struggles are not a control issue; they’re a trust issue. Control is an illusion.

The truth is that we are dependent on God for everything – even our breath comes from Him (Genesis 2:7). When we are faced with taking a step of faith, whatever it may be: a new ministry, marriage, trusting Christ for the first time, (or writing a chapter out of order), the real question is: do we trust God enough to “step out of the boat” – and that may require letting go of some fears.

Do you remember the story in Matthew 14 where the disciples are in a boat caught in a raging storm? When Jesus comes toward them walking on the water, they are terrified. But when Jesus calls out to them, Peter steps out of the boat! Verse 29 says,

“Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.” (ESV)

We get so focused on verse 30:

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink ...” (ESV)

... that we forget that the man had the guts to step out of the boat! If you and I really want a Spirit-led life, we’re going to have to get out of the boat.

But in order to do that, we will need to face the fears that vie for control over us. It is going to look different for each of us. Below are some of the deeper fears I struggle with, and the Truth that I pray to overcome them. Perhaps you can relate:

God, I am afraid that if I “step out of the boat,” You will not be with me.

“... behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

God, I am afraid of what people will think of me.

“Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” Isaiah 2:22 (ESV); see also Galatians 1:10

God, I am afraid that I will look foolish. 

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (ESV); see also Luke 6:22-23

God knows we are weak and fearful creatures. But for those who trust in Him, nothing will be impossible for:

“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

How about you? What are you struggling with? What promises from God’s Word will you claim today? Leave your comment below and let’s encourage one another with His promises.

Copyright 2016 Shadia Hrichi. Used by permission.