Living on the Edge

We are not called to ordinary lives, but extraordinary lives.

This Spring Break, I went to the Grand Canyon again, but oh was the experience so different. The last time I went, I made sure not to get too close to the edge. I kept my distance, and still got a pretty good view. But God doesn’t mean for us to just have a pretty good view, but he calls us to the BEST view.

This time around, I got on the edge. I stepped onto places that caused my knees to buckle. I’d look down and think, “If I fall, I am surely dead.” But for the first time, fear didn’t overtake me. It didn’t drive me away, but actually fueled me to step out further. The riskier I got, the riskier I wanted to go.

The picture above captures the moment this revelation was poured over me. God calls us to nerve-wrecking, palm sweating places, because that is where the best views are. The views that leave your jaw dropped and mind in awe.

As I sat in this spot, I felt the Lord say to me, “See, it isn’t so bad is it? The reward is much better than the sacrifice.”

DING, DING, DING! Ladies and gentlemen we have a winner! You see, I’ve been struggling big time. Fear has seemed to consume me, and I’ve been living afraid, my heart guarded more than ever before. I didn’t want to let anyone in, or anything out.

I think about the song  “Oceans” by Hillsong. The whole song speaks of this very thing. He calls us out into the water, the unknown, because the best of views lie there.  But when we build these walls and borders, we block out the beauty God has in store for us. “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you should call me.” This should be our prayer. I long for a trust without borders. A heart that says “yes” even when my mind is freaking out.

I spent the rest of the week in San Diego praying for a “yes” I my heart. I prayed for chains of fear to be broken, and that I would come back to Texas bold, brave, and ready to say yes to whatever God called of me. But, I had it all wrong. The Lord said to me, “Destinee, you ARE those things. And I will show you, if you let me.” Here’s where I got a little sassy with God, and I’m sure He just rolled His eyes and chuckled a bit. “You mean you want me to do this WHILE I’m scared? Legs buckling and palms sweating?”

DING, DING, DING! Another winner! “Yes”, is not always easy. Sometimes we have to step out afraid. Legs trembling, and heart pounding. Think about Jesus. He wasn’t happy go lucky, jumping for joy as He headed to the cross. It troubled Him. We see this in the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane:  "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.' ” | Matthew 26:39. I find myself in this position all the time. Except for the “not my will, but yours” part. I tend to think my will is the right will. LOL, considering my will has only ever lead me into trouble.

God wants to take us to places we cant even fathom, but we’ve gotta put our big girl {or boy} pants on, and step out our comfort zones and into the unknown. I am learning to say “yes”, even when I’m afraid. Even when my hands are trembling and my heart is pounding out of my chest. Here’s to a life of extraordinary views!

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” | 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Love always,

Destinee Nicole