Lisa Jo must’ve been in my mind this week. I am loving tonight’s prompt…LOOK. I’ve been on a kick lately; connecting so many mistakes with some failure in my vision.
When I’m not sure about something I usually go back to the Bible to see how they handled a situation, what worked, what didn’t and what God had to say about the matter. While I’ve been considering mistakes a few people immediately come to mind. Like David, he saw Bathsheba, and his wandering eye caused him great pain. Then there’s Tamar’s brother, who was so fixated with her beauty that it eventually vexed him and caused him to sin. His wandering eye and unguarded heart caused his family great pain. Tamar was devastated by him. Peter stepped out of the boat, he WALKED ON WATER, then he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. Seems all too familiar.
How many of you are like me? Have you psyched yourself out of something you just KNOW He called you? Were you once bold and daring. Were you aware that you were positioned to take on the world and confident you’d succeed? That is, until you took your eyes off of the One who called you. It sounds too simple, I know, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense.
When I had my eyes on Him and my thoughts were fixed on Him I was ready to go to the Allume conference. I felt bold and confident. I knew I was going because He had always planned on me going. Then I started looking around, reading other blogs, reading Twitter conversations and wondering what the heck I was thinking. How did I get myself into this mess?
I had no business hanging out with these ladies. They’re “real” writers. They really know the Word. Looking in the mirror wasn’t fun. I started dragging my feet. I wasn’t qualified. As I began to sink, like Peter, I heard Him. He reminded me that He opened the door for the ticket at the last minute. He reminded me that He made a way for the finances. He told me that this was His doing, not mine. He reached down (AGAIN) and pulled me up.
Friends, tonight I want to remind you of one simple thing. While I didn’t destroy anyone I allowed doubt to creep in and that’s probably just as bad (without faith we can’t please God). When I doubted myself I was really doubting Him. When I was looking at myself, my abilities and limitations, I was putting them on Him.
KNOW when He calls that He will also equip you. So please, don’t be like me, and don’t be like Peter…there’s no need to start sinking. Let’s not be like Amnon or David, the cost is too high. I know this first hand.
Instead be alert and guard your eyes so they don’t wander. Keep your eyes on Him. Look to Him and you’ll be walking on water in no time.
Diana
TeriLynneU says
Love this … and looking forward to meeting you at Allume. You do belong there!! 🙂
soulstops says
love how you spoke truth …yeah! Truth wins…you do so deserve to be there as God has called you…wish I was going, but you can tell me about it afterwards, okay? Blessings, friend 🙂
Jennifer Roth says
Oh, my friend. How often I find myself in that place of looking away at others instead of fixing my eyes on the Lord. And then He so graciously redirects my gaze. Thank you for sharing this. He has surely called you and has gone before you. I am so excited to see it unfold. Love you. 🙂
Paula Barnett says
I agree with you, Diane. It really is that simple. When I look at God alone…grace is known!
Diana Denis says
Thank you TeriLynne. I'm looking forward to meeting you too. I didn't know I'd be meeting you when I read Prayers from the Pews this summer. How cool is that? Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting!
Diana Denis says
Yes! I bet I'll be yapping about it for a long time to come simply because I know this is His timing, not mine.
Diana Denis says
Oh my JRo, who'd a thunk it? You, me…here? It's crazy. Which is exactly why I can't take any credit for any of the many blessings He's allowed to fall on me. Humbled to do life with you and to walk along side you on this journey:)
Diana Denis says
that word keeps popping up too…GRACE. Great reminder. His grace is my source. Thanks for stopping by Paula.
Barbie says
Loved this and I wish I was going to Allume to give you a great big hug!
StefanieYoungBrown says
I LOVE your honesty, your heart seeps through each word. You are called. Your space is His. Your words are HIS and have a place in this online world. He speaks loudly through you and many are blessed!
CAN'T WAIT UNTIL ALLUME!
keltrinswife says
Thank you for sharing and being honest! Be blessed:)
Laura @ Pruning Princesses says
I've never even heard of Allume until these last few weeks on blog-o-sphere. Thank you goodness your money was already paid. I can't wait to hear how God uses it.
Diana Denis says
So do I! I would gladly break the 60 day challenge to hang with you Barbie!
Diana Denis says
So giddy! Since I adjusted my vision I'm no longer concerned with what others are doing. I don't need to be first or best. I need to be who He called me to be and where He calls me to be. It's absolutely liberating!
Thank you for encouraging me so Stefanie. Can't wait to see all He has there for us!
Diana Denis says
Starbucks! I meant, Good morning Jen:) So good to see you here.
Diana Denis says
Hi Laura, it's been a while. Hope all is well. Yes, I'm glad I didn't have a "chicken out" button, I might have hit it! Looking forward to sharing all that He shows me.
Stacy Voss says
Diana, thank you for your honesty and authenticity! Although I'm not going to Allume, I so can relate to what you shared. I hope you have a fabulous time there (and feel free to pass anything you learn there my way!!). I'm praying it will be an awesome experience and rather than hearing the voices of doubt, you'll only hear His words of love and affection over you.
Ms. Kathleen says
What a great post so full of so many wonderful thoughts in that beautiful brain of yours! Looking forward to tweeting with you next week. — I really connected with this paragraph –
"Do you just KNOW He called you? Were you once bold and daring. Were you aware that you were positioned to take on the world and confident you'd succeed? That is, until you took your eyes off of the One who called you. It sounds too simple, I know, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense." –
You Have a fabulous day 🙂
Wendy Douglas says
Can I just stop and tell you thank you? Are those 2 words enough for you sharing your heart so beautifully and transparently? "Do you just KNOW He called you? Were you once bold and daring?" Thank you for speaking to my heart today friend. So thankful for you and your words. Blessings.
Becca says
What an encouragement- thank you! He Who called us will equip us- what a wonderful truth. And how amazing life is when we keep our eyes on Him! Found your post via Faith Filled Friday. 🙂
ahumblebumble.blogspot.com
JulieJordanScott2 says
I adore Peter. Seriously adore the man. Perhaps because I relate to him so much! I have had nightmares that I am living Peters walking on water story and I am still so nervous to look at Him because I am afraid if he sees me (as if he hasn't before!) he will push me under even deeper or something. Wild & crazy, eh? Your words rock, rock, rock and I know are touching so many.
So grateful to have connected on FMF and hope you put your pajamas on early in the near future! LOL.
StefanieYoungBrown says
Ding~Ding~Ding!! We need to be who HE has designed us to be and that's all!!
You're so welcome:))
Diana Denis says
LOL! I'll let you know about the pj's. you're too funny!
Nightmares with Peter? Definitely a little crazy. 🙂 Thanks for popping in. I appreciate the encouragement.
Diana Denis says
The Faith Filled Friday community is such a treasure. Thank you for coming over. Aren't you glad He's faithful? Have a great weekend!
Diana Denis says
Wendy, two words from you will ALWAYS be a blessing. Grateful for you always:)
Diana Denis says
I'm so grateful for His grace and provision. I'm so glad He allows me to readjust my vision. Aren't you?
Diana Denis says
Amen. Thank you Stacy! I will be sure to share. I bet I won't be able to contain it.
Lorretta Stembridge says
Oh, I confess…if I was going to Allume this year, I'd be a wreck for this very real and well…idolatrous reason–I'd be looking at all the ways I'm not qualified and don't measure up. Thanks for the constant, gentle reminder to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus even and especially here and now. So important to remember…and to ignore when I hear the whisper that somebody brought a scale and I'm not going to measure up!
Amy says
Love your honesty. I feel like so much of going to Allume and blogging has been out if my own mind, but when I see the fruit I know it can't be do. I need to shift my focus and accept His direction with boldness. I think I need to fully accept the responsibility, too. Thank you. Just a few days now!
Michelle Eichner says
What a great reminder to keep our focus on HIM! I love your parallels and am looking forward to what you SEE at ALLUME! 🙂 It will be a great time because He has ordained it to be so. Blessings & hugs,
Michelle
Emily Wierenga says
i hadn't thought of it this way before… thank you for reminding me to keep my eyes on the only true author of our faith… may you go with courage, friend, and may his light and love shine through you!