Devotionals

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Step Out of the Boat!

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
Matthew 14:29 (NKJV)

Jesus is looking for people who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and follow Him. There are many amazing things that can happen when we 'step out of our boats' and walk with Him. Peter was an adventurous disciple who followed with his heart.

The disciples had just come away from a busy day. Jesus had fed the multitude of five thousand men, plus the accompanying women and children. Peter had seen Jesus perform the most amazing miracle that day and his faith was at an all time high.

Let's put a bit more background information to this day, which we can read about in the gospel of Mark. We can glean from this book that the disciples had been sent away in twos and were given power and anointing over their lives to cast out demons and heal the sick, which is exactly what they did. Immediately after they returned, John the Baptist (a cousin of Jesus) was beheaded. The disciples and Jesus were visibly saddened by this event and tried to retreat to a quiet place. However, this was when the multitude came after them and they ended up feeding the five thousand. Jesus and His disciples must have been exhausted. They had been longing for a bit of solitude, but because of His compassion, Jesus did not turn the people away. Peter must have been exhausted. But in the midst of it all, he was starting to fully understand that he had the authority to operate in the same power that Jesus did.

Peter, with this fresh understanding, was not at all afraid to come out of the boat. In fact, he was also sensible about it, checking that it was Jesus, and knowing that if it was Jesus, he too would be able to walk on the water. The only problem for Peter came when he allowed the elements around him to take his eyes off of Jesus and what Jesus could do.

Are you ready to step out of the boat today? You may feel a desire in your heart for a particular ministry or mission, but you know that in the natural it is not possible. Check with Jesus. Ask Him if it's Him that you're hearing. Then listen carefully for His response – however it may come. Then, do not be afraid and don't listen to those around you who are telling you that you're out of your mind. If you know that Jesus has called you, He will be next to you. Don't wait for the perfect time – it may never come (it didn't for the disciples). Just make sure it's God's time. With His confirmation, step out of your boat (your comfort zone) and walk on the water. Be ready to see the miracles that God will do to get you over rough waters and through the elements that are trying to hold you back. When God gives His word – go for it!

Prayer:
Thank you, God, that when you call me, you will enable me. Thank you Lord that nothing is impossible for you! Help me not to listen to the things of this world that tell me I can't do the task that you have for me, but help me to constantly keep my eyes on you. In Jesus name, Amen.

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