I was thinking today about that old phrase 'get out of the boat'. It's a well used saying in Christian circles to inspire faith in people to do something with their lives. I think that a book may have even been written about this subject. It is true to say that many Christians find it really hard to do what Peter did. We can spend our whole lives in the boat looking out at those who are attempting to walk by faith on uncertain waters. We can even be jealous of such people as we watch how they develop a depth of trust and experience of God that we can only aspire to. What does it even mean to get out of the boat and what does it matter if you don't?
My experience of this is obviously limited as I have never decided to sell the house, pack my bags, up sticks and move to the Congo, for example. But I think we can limit this idea to the really big changes in life, rather than looking at those nearer home. We all have a call on our lives and all of us as Christians are required at times to get up and get out of our boats and tread the uncertain waters of the unknown. It is not always such a big deal but sometimes it is. I passionately believe, due to the Lord's dealings with me, that whatever he asks of us that requires that step of faith will be accompanied by faith which he supplies in abundance. He isn't waiting for us to sink but is right there with us, just as Jesus was with Peter, accompanying us on our journey.
I love the fact that the Lord is so utterly and completely patient with us and our uncertainties and fears. For several years, my husband literally went on and on about the call he felt God had laid on his heart to go to Bible college. My reactions were at times pretty negative because I not only didn't share this vision, but I also had no desire to step out of my comfortable boat thankyou. But when the time finally came to make that decision it was so amazing to watch the Lord step in, take my hand and reach in the boat and ask me to come along with him and Allan on this journey of faith. It was such a faith builder, as I took the steps, he just poured out his faith into my heart and confirmed his will for us as a family again and again. In some ways, once that intitial step was taken, which for me required lots of faith, the rest required barely any. The Lord just undertook in so many wonderful ways, the money came rolling in from some most unexpected places and pretty much everything has fallen into place with no striving at all. What an amazing God.
During this time, the Lord spoke to me with many scriptures but some were confirmed over and over. If there was one recurring theme, it would be this particular scripture: '..they left their nets and followed him.' I can honestly say that the place of indecision, of not fully laying down your life for the Lord and being fearful of the consequences of completely surrendering yourself to God is like having one big net placed over you. It's not living in the freedom and delight of Jesus. It's a place that robs and steals purpose and prevents you from having the awesome experience of trusting God completely and watching him come through for you again and again. Of course, he never makes anyone get out of the boat, it is always our choice, but that first step of faith and obedience changes your experience of the Christian life. It is just different. Watching God at work in this way is a treat, a privilege and joy.
I would say that many Christians, if they are honest, could identify with this battle of the wills before they give over completely to the Lord's will or direction when it may mean something new. It's unknown territory, it can be full of excitement and full of fear at the same time. A lot of honest testimonies will speak about the battles that went on before they stepped out of their boats but don't they all continue to speak of the Lord's faithfulness to them and his continued grace? - Not to mention their fruitfulness for his kingdom, whether seen or unseen, in their lifetimes. Stepping out of the boat rolls of the tongue in sermons and challenges alike but God knows us and the battles we fight, before we finally make those steps. Those battles can last years sometimes, and yet the Lord is exceedingly patient with us and brings us to that place of surrender, eventually, and when we step out we are stepping into safety. Peter wasn't out on the water alone after all was he? He was with the mighty God himself in bodily form and so as we fix our eyes on Jesus rather than this world, so we too can experience that same freedom.
'And I will fear no evil for my God is with me and if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear?
Oh no you never let go, through the calm and through the storm,
Oh no you never let go,
In every high and every low,
Oh no you never let go, you never let go of me.'
My experience of this is obviously limited as I have never decided to sell the house, pack my bags, up sticks and move to the Congo, for example. But I think we can limit this idea to the really big changes in life, rather than looking at those nearer home. We all have a call on our lives and all of us as Christians are required at times to get up and get out of our boats and tread the uncertain waters of the unknown. It is not always such a big deal but sometimes it is. I passionately believe, due to the Lord's dealings with me, that whatever he asks of us that requires that step of faith will be accompanied by faith which he supplies in abundance. He isn't waiting for us to sink but is right there with us, just as Jesus was with Peter, accompanying us on our journey.
I love the fact that the Lord is so utterly and completely patient with us and our uncertainties and fears. For several years, my husband literally went on and on about the call he felt God had laid on his heart to go to Bible college. My reactions were at times pretty negative because I not only didn't share this vision, but I also had no desire to step out of my comfortable boat thankyou. But when the time finally came to make that decision it was so amazing to watch the Lord step in, take my hand and reach in the boat and ask me to come along with him and Allan on this journey of faith. It was such a faith builder, as I took the steps, he just poured out his faith into my heart and confirmed his will for us as a family again and again. In some ways, once that intitial step was taken, which for me required lots of faith, the rest required barely any. The Lord just undertook in so many wonderful ways, the money came rolling in from some most unexpected places and pretty much everything has fallen into place with no striving at all. What an amazing God.
During this time, the Lord spoke to me with many scriptures but some were confirmed over and over. If there was one recurring theme, it would be this particular scripture: '..they left their nets and followed him.' I can honestly say that the place of indecision, of not fully laying down your life for the Lord and being fearful of the consequences of completely surrendering yourself to God is like having one big net placed over you. It's not living in the freedom and delight of Jesus. It's a place that robs and steals purpose and prevents you from having the awesome experience of trusting God completely and watching him come through for you again and again. Of course, he never makes anyone get out of the boat, it is always our choice, but that first step of faith and obedience changes your experience of the Christian life. It is just different. Watching God at work in this way is a treat, a privilege and joy.
I would say that many Christians, if they are honest, could identify with this battle of the wills before they give over completely to the Lord's will or direction when it may mean something new. It's unknown territory, it can be full of excitement and full of fear at the same time. A lot of honest testimonies will speak about the battles that went on before they stepped out of their boats but don't they all continue to speak of the Lord's faithfulness to them and his continued grace? - Not to mention their fruitfulness for his kingdom, whether seen or unseen, in their lifetimes. Stepping out of the boat rolls of the tongue in sermons and challenges alike but God knows us and the battles we fight, before we finally make those steps. Those battles can last years sometimes, and yet the Lord is exceedingly patient with us and brings us to that place of surrender, eventually, and when we step out we are stepping into safety. Peter wasn't out on the water alone after all was he? He was with the mighty God himself in bodily form and so as we fix our eyes on Jesus rather than this world, so we too can experience that same freedom.
'And I will fear no evil for my God is with me and if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear?
Oh no you never let go, through the calm and through the storm,
Oh no you never let go,
In every high and every low,
Oh no you never let go, you never let go of me.'
Matt Redman
