Getting out of the boat and trying something new can be difficult for some. Some of us get so comfortable in doing the same thing over and over again, even if that thing isn't working for us. In fact that's the definition of insanity- Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different outcome. We must embrace change and stop the insanity in our life if we are ever going to become the person God wants us to be. One of the best tools the enemy uses against us is fear. Our fear stands in the way of changing our bad habits, trying new ways of doing things, or just starting something new. Many, many times in organizations, churches, groups, and even in our own lives, new ideas are brought forth, but are met with a lot of resistances. Often one will hear or say, "Well, we've never done it that way before." or "That's not how we do it." We let the fear of the unknown stand in our way. Instead of trusting Jesus and having faith as we take the step towards the unknown, we just don't take the step and let fear win.
Even the disciples let fear stand in their way from stepping out of the boat to meet Jesus on the water. All except for Peter. Peter took the step out of the boat and was walking towards Jesus on the water. Yet, even as Peter took that leap of faith and began his walk to our Lord, he let fear creep in and overtake his faith and he began to sink. But once he cried out to our Lord and focused his eyes on Him he stopped sinking and was able to finish his walk. What does that teach us?
First of all it teaches us that we must not let fear prevent us from getting out of the boat. God wants us to do things His way. We must step out of the boat to begin to do this.
Second - Once we do step out of the boat there will be all kinds of thoughts, obstacles, and fear that will try to overtake us and cause us to sink. We must not let fear win. If we do allow fear in and we begin to sink, we must cry out to Jesus to help us. Help us to take the fear from us and provide us with the strength and wisdom to keep going.
And last we must keep our eyes on Jesus. Keeping our eyes and thoughts focused on our Lord will enable us to make the changes He wants us to, try something new, or do something in a new way -His way.
I am finally getting out of the boat. For a couple of years now God has laid it on my heart to begin writing, speaking and teaching. My passion is to help others learn about the amazing love, grace and mercy our Father has for each one of us, no matter what we have done, or how we feel we are not worthy of His love. I know that I am to share with others how God has worked in my life and to help others find their way to Him. I have begun leading a couple of groups at our church, but I have let fear stand in my way of my beginning to write and speak. Beginning this blog is my first step out of the boat for writing. Be patient with me. I am learning as I go along!
Is there something in your life that you are letting fear stand in your way of changing or beginning? Or how have you stepped out of the boat in an area of your life? How did it go? Let us know how it went by posting below. Remember this - If God brings you to it He will bring you through it. Or another way to put it Never fear, God is here! Don't let fear prevent you from experiencing God's best for you. Get out of the boat!
