Adventure is always calling our names.
As I decided to explore new terrain on the Caribbean island, I quickly found myself walking into unsteady territory. My husband had led us off of the smooth sandy beach and into a rocky area. Worst of all, I had no shoes!
He has never been scared of adventure, and he quickly convinced me to walk further.
Firm Foundation
Me? I don’t like the idea of standing on something unsteady, or being met with the unexpected. I’m sure this mindset has done two things for me…kept me safe AND kept me from experiencing some really wonderful things.
After a 15-year battle of diagnosed anxiety, panic disorder and depression, you can say “unsteady” was something I use to do well. I lived a life that I didn’t understand and couldn’t seem to fix. I was always searching for something solid to stand on or grab ahold of.
On this adventure, I decided to walk just a bit further, but I was scared. I scanned each and every rock. I only made the most calculated steps based on what I perceived to be the safest route. And there it was, the rock that looked so big and steady. To my minds eye, it was my safest bet. So I confidently stepped on it, and it collapsed. The big solid rock I had decided to put my trust in was in fact not steady at all. As I began the decent downward to my sudden death (yes I am that dramatic), I did not fall. Why? Because he was there to catch me. My husband had not let go of my hand; he had caught me with his steady and certain arms.
I can’t help but wonder if this is what God meant when He said Jesus is our “firm foundation?” We can choose to build our house, our trust, our faith, and our identity, on the Solid Rock.
“Anyone who listens to my teachings and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on a solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against the house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house it will collapse with a might crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)
Fear can overwhelm you when the thing you’re walking through is slippery, unsteady, or wobbly. The foundation you’ve built your life and self-identity on is like sinking sand, with no solidity to it. As you stumble through, and you will stumble, it’s Him, the God of the Universe, who had your hand the whole time. Firm foundation in my life has not looked like something I was standing on, but arms there to fall into.
And isn’t our Heavenly Father just like that? Hand in hand, leading us out into new terrain. We feel unsteady and scared, so we figure it out on our own. At some point we decide that we know the best route, where to step next. It may look and feel good, so it must be right. And when we step in our own ability, we must remember that anything we decide to hold onto becomes our responsibility to maintain.
That’s when I picture Jesus smiling back, hand held out for me to hold and saying, “Just a little bit further. Follow me. Focus your eyes on me. I’ve got you, lean into me.”
As I have ventured just a little bit further with Him, my life has become steadier. My foundation has become stronger, my identity more certain. My anxiety subsides, depression has no hold, and panic has no authority.
And in that truth I am reminded, “For no one can lay any foundation other than this one we already have—Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:11
About Candice:
Welcome! I’m Candice, and honestly…I’m honored you’re here. I have been writing and dreaming my whole life! Dreaming that my life and the words in my heart will connect with people everywhere. So what can you find here? I pray you find help, hope, love and laughter (lots of laughter)! I’m passionate about so many things so buckle up and enjoy the ride I call life! My friends call me the “mom unplugged”, simply because I like to keep it transparent and funny.
Join me as I share my stories of marriage, mom life, and overcoming anxiety and depression. Follow as I navigate healthy and toxic free living with some great tips and recipes. All in all…I simply invite you to join me!! Let’s vow to be movers, shakers and difference makers…TOGETHER!!
Candice Mauldin
Beautifully Designed Writing Team
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