Cliche title I know...but the title, no matter how cliche it sounds, needs to sink into our spirits. Before I went on vacation, I was mandated that while on vacation I had to get a pedicure. Who mandates something like that right? Well...someone did...and because they did, kicking and screaming inside my head, I honored it. I have gotten manicures before but never would step out and get a pedicure because no one touches my feet...I mean NO ONE. Yesterday...someone did. omg!!! If you know me...you'd be saying that right along with me lol. ...Anyways, I digress.
I have to honestly say, it wasn't the nails on the chalkboard nightmare I thought it would be. It was an awesome experience. As I sat laughing and reminiscing with family members, I had my sore feet in hot bubbling water and hot towels wrapped around my legs...soooo relaxing. Hot stones were rubbed along the bottoms of my feet, lotions and oils were applied...and then beautiful sparkly nail polish to finish it off. I was treated like complete royalty for that small moment in time. This may sound ridiculous when referring to just a pedicure, but God knew exactly what I needed at this very moment in my life. I needed to, one, step out and do something that I was fearful of doing, and two, be ministered to in this way.
Do you know that God knows exactly what you need...when you need it? Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story of Jesus walking on water. It also tells the story of what our fear accomplishes...and what God accomplishes.
"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
In this story, Peter was afraid, but he stepped out of the boat. He walked on water for as long as his eyes were on Jesus. The minute he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on his situation, he became fearful again and began to sink. But Jesus didn't let him go. He was right there to take Peter by the hand the second he called out. You see...Peter may have been fearful...he may have doubted God in that moment...his faith may have wavered...but God, despite Peter's human lack, was able to reveal Himself to all the people right in that very moment...because Peter STEPPED OUT of the boat despite his fear.
We have to learn that even if we are afraid, when God says to step out of the boat, we need to step out of the boat. He will take care of us, and He will use the experience to bless and grow us and others. My friend...whatever it is He is telling you to do today, do not be afraid...step out of the boat.
I have to honestly say, it wasn't the nails on the chalkboard nightmare I thought it would be. It was an awesome experience. As I sat laughing and reminiscing with family members, I had my sore feet in hot bubbling water and hot towels wrapped around my legs...soooo relaxing. Hot stones were rubbed along the bottoms of my feet, lotions and oils were applied...and then beautiful sparkly nail polish to finish it off. I was treated like complete royalty for that small moment in time. This may sound ridiculous when referring to just a pedicure, but God knew exactly what I needed at this very moment in my life. I needed to, one, step out and do something that I was fearful of doing, and two, be ministered to in this way.
Do you know that God knows exactly what you need...when you need it? Matthew 14:22-33 tells the story of Jesus walking on water. It also tells the story of what our fear accomplishes...and what God accomplishes.
"Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
In this story, Peter was afraid, but he stepped out of the boat. He walked on water for as long as his eyes were on Jesus. The minute he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on his situation, he became fearful again and began to sink. But Jesus didn't let him go. He was right there to take Peter by the hand the second he called out. You see...Peter may have been fearful...he may have doubted God in that moment...his faith may have wavered...but God, despite Peter's human lack, was able to reveal Himself to all the people right in that very moment...because Peter STEPPED OUT of the boat despite his fear.
We have to learn that even if we are afraid, when God says to step out of the boat, we need to step out of the boat. He will take care of us, and He will use the experience to bless and grow us and others. My friend...whatever it is He is telling you to do today, do not be afraid...step out of the boat.