So a few years ago my wife and I as well as a bunch of friends went camping. This was my first camping experience EVER and I was pum-diddley-umped! We had everything set, all the drinks and food packed and we were on our way there, I was excited about the whole experience, cooking our food over the fire, sleeping in a tent, and I wasn't even dreading the cold showers, it was all part of the ''camping experience''...or so I was told! I was most excited though about being out on the lake. Not only did I need a tan, but I had never been on a pontoon, and I was pretty sure this was going to be EPIC! Well the time had come, we were out on the water, time to do what I had been dreaming of...to sprint the length of the boat and jump off the end and out into the water. Well....I froze. What was in that water anyway? Bodies? Lake crud? Lockness Monster? Yeah, I know.... a HUGE pansey, and I don't even know why! After much, much, taunting and a few false starts I finally went for it, I jumped and landed in the water. And you know what? I did it again, and again and again...yeah I was hooked! All it took was for me to do it just once and get past my fears. Then the next time was easier, and the next time even easier! There was probably 50+ jumps that took place that weekend by me alone, and with winter here I'm looking forward to this summer where hopefully we can get a group to go back and do it again!
This past Monday I got to go and have lunch with some great friends that currently live out of state, but were in town visiting for the Holidays. We had a great lunch and great conversation, we discussed everything from my hatred of chicken, to New Years Resolutions (running in particular). The convo then shifted towards Gods calling, one of my favorite topics mainly because God has given me some very cool testimonies. We talked about the logistics and fears, the timing of it all, the joys and triumphs, and also the timidity and nervousness that goes along with it. During this conversation I truly believe the Holy Spirit dropped a Word in my spirit that said "we can never walk on water if we never get out of the boat". The more and more I think about this, the more and more I am reminded of Peter. In my own walk with Christ, Jesus has beckoned me to get out of the boat and walk on the water with Him in faith, the first time this happened I was so scared that I didn't dare to move. I ignored Christ as He continued to call me out, all the while the storm around me only increased. When I eventually stepped out of that boat everything seemed to change. I was at peace and I had never felt more in the center of Gods will, even though there was still some waves splashing up against me, my eyes were fixed upon Jesus and that made ALL the difference. The next time He called us out, well it got a little easier to obey, and it continues to be that way. It's quite an experience walking on the water, sometimes easy, sometimes very tough, either way though it's very rewarding! It's worth the leap of faith and the sleepless nights. I am never more scared than when I am strattling the edge of the boat and about to take my first step, at that point you are inches away from playing it safe, and also inches away from leaping into the unknown and there is so much waiting in the unknown! SO many questions will flood your mind, "How will we pay for this", "who would come", "how would we do it", "where will we go"? I have learned though that as long as Jesus is the object and center of our focus...well, it will all be okay. I'm not saying it will be all unicorns, lollipops, and rainbows, but IF Jesus is the one calling you to do it, then it will be worth it none the less! What is God calling you to do and are you prepared to walk on water?
So a few years ago my wife and I as well as a bunch of friends went camping. This was my first camping experience EVER and I was pum-diddley-umped! We had everything set, all the drinks and food packed and we were on our way there, I was excited about the whole experience, cooking our food over the fire, sleeping in a tent, and I wasn't even dreading the cold showers, it was all part of the ''camping experience''...or so I was told! I was most excited though about being out on the lake. Not only did I need a tan, but I had never been on a pontoon, and I was pretty sure this was going to be EPIC! Well the time had come, we were out on the water, time to do what I had been dreaming of...to sprint the length of the boat and jump off the end and out into the water. Well....I froze. What was in that water anyway? Bodies? Lake crud? Lockness Monster? Yeah, I know.... a HUGE pansey, and I don't even know why! After much, much, taunting and a few false starts I finally went for it, I jumped and landed in the water. And you know what? I did it again, and again and again...yeah I was hooked! All it took was for me to do it just once and get past my fears. Then the next time was easier, and the next time even easier! There was probably 50+ jumps that took place that weekend by me alone, and with winter here I'm looking forward to this summer where hopefully we can get a group to go back and do it again!
This past Monday I got to go and have lunch with some great friends that currently live out of state, but were in town visiting for the Holidays. We had a great lunch and great conversation, we discussed everything from my hatred of chicken, to New Years Resolutions (running in particular). The convo then shifted towards Gods calling, one of my favorite topics mainly because God has given me some very cool testimonies. We talked about the logistics and fears, the timing of it all, the joys and triumphs, and also the timidity and nervousness that goes along with it. During this conversation I truly believe the Holy Spirit dropped a Word in my spirit that said "we can never walk on water if we never get out of the boat". The more and more I think about this, the more and more I am reminded of Peter. In my own walk with Christ, Jesus has beckoned me to get out of the boat and walk on the water with Him in faith, the first time this happened I was so scared that I didn't dare to move. I ignored Christ as He continued to call me out, all the while the storm around me only increased. When I eventually stepped out of that boat everything seemed to change. I was at peace and I had never felt more in the center of Gods will, even though there was still some waves splashing up against me, my eyes were fixed upon Jesus and that made ALL the difference. The next time He called us out, well it got a little easier to obey, and it continues to be that way. It's quite an experience walking on the water, sometimes easy, sometimes very tough, either way though it's very rewarding! It's worth the leap of faith and the sleepless nights. I am never more scared than when I am strattling the edge of the boat and about to take my first step, at that point you are inches away from playing it safe, and also inches away from leaping into the unknown and there is so much waiting in the unknown! SO many questions will flood your mind, "How will we pay for this", "who would come", "how would we do it", "where will we go"? I have learned though that as long as Jesus is the object and center of our focus...well, it will all be okay. I'm not saying it will be all unicorns, lollipops, and rainbows, but IF Jesus is the one calling you to do it, then it will be worth it none the less! What is God calling you to do and are you prepared to walk on water?
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