Stepping Out Of Your Boat

This photo of an old boat tied to a dock was taken by my sister Linda, and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it! I realized why I was drawn to it after spending some time reflecting on it. I came to the conclusion that this photo reminded me of when Jesus called Peter out of the boat in Matthew 14:28-32. I was drawn to this scripture years ago when I first felt called to step out in Faith. I still feel that Jesus is calling me out of my boat, my comfort zone, in bigger and bolder ways. He is asking me to step out, and walk in Faith with Him again, and this feels like a big step for me. My Faith grows every time I obediently step out of my boat, but I still get nervous, even afraid at times. I have felt Him calling me to speak and share His beautiful word. I dove into this by volunteering to be a part of a teaching team for a Live Bible Study at my church. This is a Women’s study, with a team of devoted teachers getting up on stage and sharing God’s message with the woman attending. This is an exciting opportunity to step out of my boat in Faith.  I am so grateful for the this opportunity, however I am terrified to step into this role! I have felt called to speak and share my Faith in order to reveal the Love, and Life of Jesus. I know that I have grown in my Faith, and now it may be time for bolder steps. My Faith tells me that He is with me, therefore I can step out in, and participate in my calling.  I do not feel this will be easy, but I am going regardless of my insecurities, and my fears. I know that my feelings mislead me at times, and I must rely on my Faith in Jesus, in order to step out of my  comfortable boat. This is exactly what I did last week, and despite my shaking nerves, I was fine. In fact, I was better than fine, and I owe it all to Jesus. I have learned to trust Him by growing closer to Him through His word and His promise.  He will always draw us in and work within us before He calls us to step out in Faith. When He calls, you are guaranteed that He will equip you, and provide a way for you. This growing Faith is how I have become able to step out of the comfortable place in my boat and step into the great unknown. Do you feel that Jesus is calling you out of your boat? If you feel that call, I would suggest praying and leaning into the faithful God who is the one calling you. Stepping out can feel scary, but once you realize that Jesus is the one who called you out, and He has already planned to take you by the hand and walk with you, he will never let go! Boldly step out and Trust Jesus, and then Walk on water with Him!