We started sailing early in 2020. The idyllic lifestyle and living differently (living outside the margins) were huge attractions, but our main focus was to go into full-time ministry. I have been a pastor for 12 years prior, so even though we faced financial ruin after covid, I was excited about serving God in the midst of this storm.
I learned early in this new season that life was not as idyllic as portrayed on YouTube and having never sailed or been part of the water world, we were very green.
I remember my first sail, the first day we loosened the dock lines and left the safety of the marina to go into the unknown. I never understood the dangers of what we were doing, I never imagined how different the waves are in such deep waters compared to the protection inside the breakwater wall.
I knew that the wind would change the sea state we would be sailing, but my mind could never comprehend the courage this season would need from me.
It’s safe inside the margins of life. Going for the new job, the new love, hoping for new hope. Here I am standing in that same spot almost 3 years later, I am leaving the bay and venturing into deeper water. It’s safe here in the bay. It’s safe to stay in the boat. It’s getting out of the boat that is scary. Ministering to others, walking on the waters… Trusting that God has got you. It’s in the margins that everything makes sense.
Living inside the margins is safe, but life is messy, and life colors outside the lines.
– Gwennie
Throughout the Word of God and history, we learn of people who have lived courageously, who lived outside the margins, and who even when faced with adversity their courage prevailed.
I define courage as mental or moral strength. It is a strength that enables me to face difficult and dangerous situations even when fear tries to stunt me.
Victory can only be obtained through courage. If it’s easy we will never need courage, we will never know the strength of a Father who sent His son to die so that we could face life and win.
As a daughter of the King, I am courageous not because of any natural gift I might have, but because of a fundamental Godly truth – “God is with ME”.
God walked with me through fires. Sometimes I could barely breathe but put one foot in front of the other. I sailed one wave after another, and I climbed one mountain at a time. Even though I feel the heat of the fire, the cold of the water, and the fear of the height of that mountain, I still know in each battle that I am walking in victory because my Dad, walks beside me.
These verses keep me going:
Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 118:6
The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Deuteronomy 3:22
Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.
Luke 12:32
(Jesus says), “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
Lamentations 3:57
You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”
Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Haggai 2:5
‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
I learned in these two years that I am hard-pressed on every side, but never crushed; I am perplexed, but I am not in despair; I face persecution, but I have never been abandoned. I have been struck down but never destroyed.
It is because of every trial that I know not to lose heart. Though outwardly my body is wasting away, inwardly I am being renewed every day. These momentary troubles are achieving eternal glory and that far outweighs every tribulation, every fear.
My prayer daily. Lord, keep my eyes fixed on you, so that I may not focus on the temporary that can be seen but focused on the unseen truth which is eternal.
