Stepping Out of the Boat and Into the Waves

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Living a comfortable, sheltered life is not the kind of lifestyle God has intended us to live. Think about the story of Peter stepping out of the boat and into the waves. What kind of crazy person would risk stepping out into the rough sea, while it was storming nonetheless? He could have stayed in the boat. Yet he decided to take a leap of faith. Peter stepped out of the safety of the boat and out into the crashing waves.

"Peter said, 'Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.' Jesus said, 'Come.'"~Matthew 14:28-29

Every new year brings a whole new set of challenges to the table. Will you stay back in the safety of your boat, or will you step out in faith, knowing that God will be with you and will catch you if you begin to fall? Will you allow fear to keep you from experiencing all that God has in store for you, or will you go out and see what God is capable of doing in your life?

"And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he came afraid and began to sink. He shouted, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, 'Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?"~Matthew 14:30-31

Notice that it wasn't Peter's strength that kept him above the waters. It was God's.

When you step out in faith this year, continue to keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't look at the waves; God is bigger than any storm you may face in your life. If you focus on the seemingly impossible circumstances, it will cause you to sink under them rather than rise above them.

"After they got into the boat, the wind became calm. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, 'Truly you are the Son of God!"~Matthew 14:32-33

Watch and see what God can do when you take a leap of faith.

I've always hated uncomfortable situations and I have done my best to avoid them as much as possible. Yet this year, God has been showing me that I'm going to need to step out of my comfort zone. When we take on new challenges, they force us to trust and rely on God. Not only that, but they can be growth opportunities as well.

Don't focus on the impossibility of a situation. Don't for a second allow fear to creep in. Remember Isaiah 41:10 which states, "So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you." 

Take leaps of faith this year, knowing that God will never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6). Step out of the boat--out of your comfort zone--and into the waves, keeping your eyes only on Jesus. Do things that will stretch your faith, things that you once were terrified of. Things that may even seem impossible, keeping in mind that with God, all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

Then when the challenge is over--the waves are still, and God has once again proven the impossible--you will, just like the followers did, be able to say, "Truly, you are the Son of God."