Are You in Over Your Head?

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Are you in over your head? If not, why not? Maybe it’s time to tread into deeper waters.

**Katie is giving away a copy of her debut novel, Wildflowers From Winter, to one randomly selected reader who leaves a comment.**

Today, I’m honored to have debut author and Clash of the Titles‘ May Release winner, Katie Ganshert here to share how God has nudged her and her husband to tread into deep waters, trusting Him to keep them afloat. As you listen to her story, consider what God might be saying to you. Is there an area in your life that keeps you clinging to the seashore, dipping your toes in faith, afraid to take the plunge?

Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo. You can find her online at her blog and on Facebook.

Wildflowers from Winter:

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she’s not even sure exists?

 What’s God asking you to do? What does He want you to trust Him with? Remember, when Peter stepped out of the boat, he stayed afloat as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. God wants us to do the same.
The next time you’re anxious, follow the guidelines presented in Ephesians 4:6-7
 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Camp out on that phrase, “with thanksgiving.” When we pause to remember all God has done–all the times He came through–it reminds us of His infinite power and grace. In light of that, our problems are placed in proper perspective–centered in God’s loving hand.
We’d love to hear from you. When has God nudged you to step out in faith and what was the result?
I want to give a shout out to all our generous Reach out donors:

Thanks to July’s Reach Out Donors: Elaine Marie Cooper with the Road to Deer Runand the Promise of Deer Run, Sandra Robbins with Shattered Identity, Katie Ganshert with Wildflowers From Winter, JoAnn Durgin with Awakening, and Ann Lee Miller with Kicking Eternity. 

Do you have a Reach Out story to share? Send it to me at jenniferaslattery(at)gmail(dot)com.

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17 Comments

  2. Pingback: From Caricature to Character | Katie Ganshert

  3. First your cover draws me in…especially in the Summer heat!
    I live on a farm…can’t imagine being dropped on one and knowing what to do. She does need to trust!

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  5. I would love to win a copy of this book. The cover is beautiful!

    When my husband lost his job last year we were definitely nudged by God to let go of our fears and trust Him! It was a very uncomfortable place to be at the time. We lost medical insurance and couldn’t get umemployment and didn’t have money for the high cost of cobra. We took a leap of faith and God came through! God’s hand was upon us and we were amazed at the doors he opened. All I can say is, God is Awesome!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. Jennifer, thanks for such a great interview of Katie! Two of the questions you posted to us resonated deeply: “What’s God asking you to do? What does He want you to trust Him with?” I ask God those two questions probably more often than any other. And I’ve found that as long as I’m seeking and asking, my heart stays tender toward His leading. In those seasons when I think I’ve got it all figured out, trouble is sure to crop up.

    Katie, I’m tickled pink and so excited about your debut novel. What a blessing you are! Hugs…

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    1. Donna, I read this comment right before heading into my prayer time, and used your wisdom to guide my prayers. Thank you, my sweet sister! May God remind me to ask Him these questions daily, and may He keep my heart tender to His reply!

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  7. So, Garfield walks into a pet store, sees all the caged animals and opens the doors, shouting, “You’re free! You’re free!” But the animals are so scared, they cling to their cages. “Hmmm,” the would be freedom fighter thinks, “Folks must not be heavily into freedom these days.” Then he closes the cages with all the animals inside and says, “You’re secure! You’re secure!” That clip by Jim Davis pretty much sums up my feelings when it comes to faith. God sets me free, and I want to be safe!

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  8. I often feel like I’m in over my head…As the oldest of 6, with a brother who 2 years ago had an illness that required a bone marrow transplant to treat it, continuing to have to keep ourselves illness-free for his sake, financial struggles, etc., I never know what to expect next in God’s plan for me.
    Take today for example: I’ve been wrestling recently with the possibility of taking over as director for one of the children’s choirs at church (I’ve been the accompanist for the other choir for 5 years), though I only have an associate’s in music and never was able to get my bachelor’s in music ed. Today, based on something God made sure I heard in the sermon yesterday, I made the decision that the Lord has given me a clear sign that this is part of His plan for me. So, though I – a perfectionist – don’t feel prepared for this role, I must step in faith and trust that He will teach me what I need as I need it….as He has done so many times in the past.

    Jennifer, thanks for the thought provoking questions! And Katie, I look forward to reading the book! 🙂

    admurphy(dot)musician(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

    1. It sounds like you have trekked through some very difficult circumstances. I love how, now that an opportunity for expanded ministry arises, you are focusing not on yourself, but on God’s faithfulness. That’s awesome. I am reminded of God’s response to Moses before calling him to speak to the Pharaoh. I’ll paraphrase, but basically, “Who made your mouth,” which I’ve always taken to mean, “I’ve got this covered. You just keep walking.” 🙂

      What an exciting adventure God has in store for you. Please pop back by to let us know how it goes!

      Reply

      1. Thank you for that reminder, Jennifer. It always good to know that God takes care of us so well!
        And I’ll let you know how things go! 🙂

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