Don't Get Stuck in The Middle-Episode 44.m4a

Good morning and welcome to the Set Her Free podcast. I'm Dana Lyons, your host. This podcast is about freedom and becoming unhindered—a mission that inspired me to change the name from "Get Well, Live Well and Thrive" to "Set Her Free." Thriving, to me, is synonymous with freedom.

Today, I want to encourage you in your faith. We often know God is leading us to do something new or go somewhere new, yet we face challenges along the way. Life can feel like a classroom filled with obstacles, so if you know someone who is struggling or just needs a reminder, I encourage you to share this episode. My goal is to inspire and challenge you, as I face my battles in living free.

I acknowledge that I can be my own biggest obstacle to freedom. The more I explore faith, the more I'm confronted with areas where I still need growth and healing. Life isn't about reaching perfection—it's about continuous growth and learning. We all have blind spots, and we may not see them until God reveals them to us. Recently, God challenged me to consider whether I truly loved myself enough to set me free.

My focus is on helping women navigate these challenges because I believe we are stronger together. The enemy often tempts us to compare or compete with one another, but there's enough room for everyone to shine in their capacity. It's important to step into your spotlight and embrace the gifts and talents you've been given.

I encourage you to take the time to share this message with someone who might need it. You never know how it could help them. If this episode resonates with you, I would appreciate your support through a review on your podcast platform. Reviews help more people find this content, which is my ultimate goal—helping others.

Now, let's dive into today's discussion, based on Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calms the storm. The story illustrates that we often find ourselves excited about where God is leading us, yet we can become paralyzed by the challenges that arise on our journey. We are often stuck in the "in-between"—the space between our current situation and where we want to go.

Our minds tend to seek safety and comfort. In moments of uncertainty, we may create excuses or distractions rather than take steps toward our calling. Just as Thomas doubted, asking for proof, many of us find ourselves needing assurance during times of doubt. God isn’t intimidated by our doubts; they're an opportunity for deeper intimacy with Him and can lead to stronger faith and action.

The narrative of Jesus calming the storm resonates with many of us. Whether you're facing a significant crisis or merely feeling overwhelmed by everyday challenges, every experience has a beginning, middle, and end. The "middle" can feel paralyzing, but it's important to remember there is hope and purpose in every season.

As believers, we're all going to encounter storms in life. The important thing is not to freeze at the shoreline, afraid to step into the boat. Control freaks, in particular, must acknowledge that their own tendencies to be the biggest hindrance to their progress.

Jesus told His disciples to get in the boat and cross the sea. It was nighttime, a time filled with uncertainty. Yet, He knew where they were headed. When a storm arose, the disciples were terrified, failing to remember the promise of their destination. Jesus, calm amid the chaos, asked them why they were afraid; their faith was tested.

We often become anxious when challenges arise. Sometimes, we focus so much on the unpredictability of the journey that we forget the One who is guiding us. Jesus assures us he has the power to calm our storms, but we must trust Him.

Believing in God means accepting that storms are a part of our journey. We can find grace and strength as we navigate through life's uncertain waters. It's