Crawling Out of the Boat

Guest post by Lisa Buffaloe

I pray to write in excellence, to honor the Lord with all I do, say, and write. Instead my failures rear their ugly heads, and inadequacies whisper words of doubt. Who are you to write? What on earth are you thinking? Knees bent, I plead and grovel. Help me Lord! Send someone to firm up the areas where I’m weak.

Book and magazines that teach the craft of writing cover my desk and spill onto the floor. Conferences are attended along with critique and writer groups. Knowledge is growing, but there is still an abundance to learn. I wring my hands, stare at my computer screen, and try not to curl into a ball.

I can’t do this alone.

For the umpteenth time I read the passage in Matthew 14. “’Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:28-31 NIV).

I’m so like Peter. I only see what I can’t do, not what God can do. For years I’ve envisioned myself taking that leap of faith. Instead, I tentatively crawl out of the boat donning my life vest, water wings, snorkel, and flippers.

Why do I doubt?

The help I need is found in God—His strength, His power, His might, His sufficiency. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. All things, not just some things—all things.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NASB).

Lisa Buffaloe is contributing author for The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter. Her articles have appeared in Angels on Earth magazine, as well as Guideposts, Rest Ministries, (in)courage.me, and others. She’s an active member of writing organizations and critique groups, leads Bible studies, and speaks to writer and women’s groups. Her manuscripts have placed as finalists in the 2011 Women of Faith and the 2010 ACFW Genesis writing contests, and won awards with other distinguished writing contests. Lisa also hosts a new radio show Living Joyfully Free.