And that happened.
I left an amazing [but comfortable] job, I walked away from controlling my workflow and purpose, and submitted to a cause bigger than myself. Coming alongside The A21 Campaign meant leaving my comfort zone and releasing my coiled, prying fingers from control. Ultimately, saying yes to God was saying no to a million other selfish desires.
But I forgot water walking isn’t indefinite. It isn’t permanent. It’s a moment of trusting the call of God. That’s it.
When Peter climbs out of the boat in Matthew 14, I wager to believe there was a moment of euphoria. Something like, Oh my God! Wait Jesus, that’s you, huh? Whatever. This is insane! But then something happened. The winds blew and fear overtook Peter. He saw his surroundings and realized he was in over his head. Literally.
As Peter began to drown, he called out to Jesus saying, Lord, save me! This is why I love Peter. He immediately called out to the one who could help him. Matthew documents that the very moment Peter cried out, Jesus was there to save him. In true Jesus fashion, he turns the rescue mission into a learning moment.
You of little faith, He said. Why did you doubt?
If I’m honest with you, I doubted. I got out of the boat, walked on water, got scared, cried out, and was saved. Again. And again. And again. Last year I failed to accomplish one fourth, 25%, a quarter of what I set out to do in 2011. I looked back at my lofty list of new years resolutions and licked my battle wounds. Guido kicked my butt and seemingly got the best of me.
But I heard a still small voice whisper, You of little faith. Why do you doubt? [Obviously Jesus speaks to me in present tense.]
God doesn’t operate on my timeline. He isn’t swayed by my calendar appointments, Outlook requests, or meeting agendas. [And he definitely doesn’t give a rip about Guido!] God wants me to trust him. Plain and simple.
When I wrote yesterday that we can do all things through the power of Christ, I meant it. I’m living proof that you can get out of the boat, walk on water, flail around helplessly, and still accomplish what God wants you to do as long as you trust in his saving grace and ability to accomplish great things through simple people.
Now that 2011 is over and I’m determined to hold onto faith, I’m acting like a tough girl. Yeah, that’s right. A tough girl!
Hey Guido… shave your back hair!
Guido…hahahaha! Thank you, once again, for the encouragement to simply follow Him!!!
I love knowing I am not alone. And that’s what this blog reminded me of.
Thank you so much for all of your honesty. And for reminding me that God can, and will accomplish, what He set set out to accomplish even when I doubt.
Well said Bianca! Go kick some Guido-butt!
Its only the first month of the year, and the hubs and I have already said, “by faith lets plan it, do it, set it etc.” that seems to be this years mantra. I know the Lord wants to use our family this year in different ways and we need to be open, available and willing.
Truth is some days Im ready to jump out feet first and other days I want to stick my toe in the water to test the temperature. The story about Peter getting out of the boat is one of my favs on faith and Trust.
Perfect blog for today 🙂 Btw, I have a question about Catalyst, can I get your email address?
Thanks, Mon
Haha yes!! You go, B! Love you! Many blessings to you! You’re such an encouragement to me. 🙂
This brought tears to my eyes. I am so kinda trying to trust God right now. It gets hard and it get exciting. Right before I read this, i told myself, I am so like David. One moment of trust, faith and energy…and the very next second and I am giving in to fear, insecurities, doubt.
I keep telling God I am ready, but I know his time is different. Sigh! At the wait…ick!
I needed to read this and I need Jesus so much right now. 🙂
Bianca I am telling you,it is like you are talking directly to me 🙂 HA!
I’m so thankful that even when we lose sight of Him, He is faithful to pick us up again and right us!
Your experience described in the post is like the song, “Let the Waters Rise” by Mikeschair. You can see the official music video here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIkQ7YVys_A