But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Matthew 14:27-29 NIV

Pam and I went to see the season finale of The Chosen – Season 3 at the theater last night. If you are not caught up, finish binge watching on The Chosen App. The season ends with this scene of Peter coming to Jesus on the water. The other disciples are pleading and screaming for Peter to remain in the boat, Peter steps out because of his faith that Jesus invites him to come.

As you may know, I have written over 1000 blog entries, which is more than I can remember. Recently, I have felt the urge to compile some of the writings into a book. I have been diligent to study from those who have self-published, which is the direction I want to start.

Chandler Bolt, author of Published, suggests clarifying your act of faith before you start to write. He invites you to answer two questions, Why? and Why Now? After filtering through the possible answers, write them down and sign a contract to yourself. On February 1, 2023, I fulfilled this part of the publishing journey with my reasons for Why? and Why Now? on a Contract to Myself with signatures from Pam and me.

On Feb. 2nd I watched the season finale with the walking on the water scene. I came home and started editing my book. I began to quickly understand the importance of answering the first two questions for the contract. The answers relate to the action of faith to move forward. Let me share some of my fearful thoughts that came last night while editing the book I am compiling, Whispers from your Father, God – Volume 1.

Who do I think I am to speak for God? Am I saying something different with each daily blog or just repeating myself? Why would someone buy this book? Is it written with the highest standard of correctness? Will it draw people closer to wanting to hear God’s voice for themselves? God is the eternal Father, I am a fractured father attempting to speak on HIs behalf. Why am I doing this when no one is forcing me? Is it good? Will people like it?

It is faith in the urging I sense from God which is moving me forward. Another writer says to redefine success in publishing a book. The first and most important step is the journey to completion – get it published. Success is the journey to finish. It is to this goal, I continue forward through the process,

On this Fear Not Friday, I believe God has also spoken to you about some action which He would like for you to take. He is inviting you to follow His lead. Like me, you can probably make lots of excuses to delay your obedience. 

You may have others telling you to stay where you are. They say, “there is no need to be so radical. There is plenty of time to get it done later. How can you be sure that God is the one asking you to do it now?”

If fear is keeping you from acting or moving forward, go through the steps of discerning God’s voice in the Why? And Why Now? How has God confirmed the direction He wants you to take? If it is to reconcile with another, God has issued the invitation to forgive as He has forgiven you. If it relates to money matters, God invites you into the freedom to owe no man anything but to love them. If it is to start something new, stay within the boundaries of God’s character and move forward.

You are not in charge of the outcome, nor can you control how people will respond. Your responsibility is to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd and follow His lead.

Will you pray with me on this Fear Not Friday to boldly act in faith and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Pray that we finish what we started. Pray that when we have grown weary and want to quit, we find the courage to move forward. If that is you, move forward and follow what God has put in your heart. He invites you to follow.

Blessings Love y’all