Venture into the Water

Swoosh. Flip. Swoosh. Flip. The oars alternately dipped into the cool waters of Lake Erie. I
relaxed into the seat and felt anxiety swirl away with the drifting current. It had been a year since
our last outing on a kayak, so my hubby and I jumped at the chance to join friends at Presque
Isle. Even the lily pads welcomed our arrival with their flowers of yellow and white.

Alone in my boat, I compared the writing life to our water adventure:

1. When I stopped rowing, I lagged behind my companions.
2. When we stayed together, we laughed and enjoyed the ride.
3. When my muscles rebelled against the work, it took just an ounce more of “umph” to
   keep going.
4. When it felt like I was making no progress, I looked at the shoreline to see where I’d
   been.
5. When we passed some yachts anchored for swimming, I realized we all have unique
   experiences.
6. When we stopped at a sandbar, the swim was a great reward.
   Exercise: look up Scripture and compare translations.
7. The writing life creates a momentum that carries your work forward. Don’t stop rowing!
   Hebrews 10:35-36.
8. Writing companions make the ride more enjoyable. Ecclesiastes 4:12.
9. Hang in there. Persevere and gain insight. Revelation 2:17.
10. Don’t compare yourself to others. Be confident in what you have to say. Galatians 6:4.
11. Instead of craving someone else’s gift, excel at what you’ve been given. 1 Corinthians
    12:4-7.
12. Your effort will pay off. 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

When Peter walked on water (Matthew 14:22-34), he tried something for the first time. He had
never walked on water, nor did he know anyone who had. Was Peter afraid? Absolutely. Did he
do it anyway? Yes!

When we jump into the waters of publishing, we will face many unknowns and feel the waves
wash over us. But we learn an important lesson from Peter, and that’s to keep our eyes on Jesus.

He will help us to

1. Be persistent,
2. Find joy in our stories,
3. Give a boost when we need it,
4. Measure success by His standards,
5. Celebrate our unique gifts,
6. Fight for the prize.

All praise to the One who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-3). He is the
captain of our boat and partner in the words we write.

Come, walk on water and do the impossible with Jesus!

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotions have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net