By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
When I was a kid, skipping stones was a favorite past time. Every time me and my friends were near a pond, lake or river, we scoured the shore for stones to launch across the water.
The first step to successfully skipping stones is to find the right type of rock. Flat, round, and smooth stones worked best.
The next step is to launch your stone at the right angle. Here’s a mental picture. Stand sideways and with knees slightly bent to ensure your arm is closer to the water’s surface. Then, with a flick of your wrist, launch your stone in such a way that it enters the water with the flattest part of the rock face-up, parallel with the water. It takes a bit of practice, but when you get it right, the stone magically bounces across the surface of the water with great speed. It became even more fun when we made it a contest to see who could get the highest number of skips per stone.
According to science.org, two key forces are at work when skipping stones, gravity and lift. Gravity pulls the stone down, while lift (the reactive force of the water) pushes the stone up. If the lift force is greater than the force of gravity the stone bounces up. If the gravity force is greater, it sinks. Skipping stones successfully requires both forces.
When it comes to breaking free from negative thoughts or behaviors, similar forces are at work. While God lifts us up out of the pit and carries us forward towards freedom, the enemy stands ready to pounce when we are weak or unaware, hoping to take us down. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Never fear, God is greater.
When women come through our Eyes Wide Open healing program, they often talk about how they’ve had periods of success along their journey, experiencing momentary freedom, but after a while, something happens (usually stress enters the picture) and they began to sink into a pit of despair, reverting back to old thoughts and ways.
This is not at all uncommon. In fact, it’s completely normal for any kind of transformational journey. The Eyes Wide Open healing program addresses this phenomenon throughout the ten weeks. The important thing when you fall or take a step back is to get back up and keep moving forward. Valuable lessons are learned through those times of regression. Lessons that make us stronger and wiser.
During my personal journey to freedom from bulimia, I had my own ups and downs—steps forward and steps back. The key to my eventual success was to fix my focus on Jesus, renew my mind with truth, and never give up.
Beloved, when you take a step or two backward, don’t let the enemy convince you that you’re back to square one. Just like those stones skipping across the water, each up and down propels you closer to your destination.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him” (Psalm 37:23).
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). The truth is, the minute we surrender and put our faith back on God, He lifts us up and carries us forward.
“I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.
I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands” (Psalm 119:58-60).
Put your trust in God and allow Him to lift you up and carry you forward. The Lord is faithful and will do it.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
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