Image by Myriam Zilles from Pixabay
Over the past few months, I keep hearing the words,”Get out of the boat,” in my head. As time has passed, the impression on my heart has not lessened. Instead, it has intensified.
The trouble is as I look to launch out into new waters for myself and my husband, I have been looking for a comfortable transition into what I feel the Lord has called us. We have finished raising our daughters. They have now completed high school. One daughter even graduated from Junior college a year ago. Also, my husband and I are looking to step into some form of intercessory ministry when he retires, possibly soon.
As I look to step out in faith, I am looking for a peaceful transition between a regular income to being dependant on God for finances. Though my daughters are finished with high school, they are transitioning into young adult life and are still living at home. They are figuring out their place in the world. One of them is still going to school at a Junior college. Neither of them has their license. So I am still chauffeuring them around. Somehow, I have to get out of the boat, without worrying about them and also manage to pay all the bills.
Peter in Matthew 14: 22-33 (NKJV) did not worry about the choppy waters when he told Jesus that he would get out of the boat. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter jumped overboard. It wasn’t until he was out on the water walking that he noticed the conditions of the water. He looked around, began to doubt and then to sink. Jesus rescued him, stretching out his hand to Peter when he began to go under. The secret to remember may be to keep your eyes on Jesus as you begin to step out to new situations. Just like the parent of a toddler learning how to walk, Jesus holds out His hands to us as we step forward in faith. He is not going to push us into the water, crushing our hopes. Instead, He coaxes us, telling us to trust Him with our life circumstances.
What is God asking you to step out of the boat for? In what new direction, is He calling you to step out of your comfort zone? Perhaps, he is asking you to take a plate of cookies to a neighbour that you haven’t met? Or tell that friend of yours who isn’t a Christian about an incident where God worked in your life. Or maybe it time to make a career or ministry change. Whatever it is, remember the faithfulness of God who will always help you as you move towards Him in obedience. He is cheering you on as you move towards him in obedience.