The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Stepping out of the boat for me meant stepping outside my front door. I missed my peaceful walks by the woods listening to birds sing and longed to return to my joy filled excursions, but first, I would have to grip the doorknob and step outside. I’d have to walk with my white cane and pray I’d never get lost again.

Stepping out of the boat makes incredible life changes possible. It’s where we see promises fulfilled and victories won. It makes heroes out of ordinary people, but stepping out of the boat isn’t for everyone.

Out of twelve disciples, only Peter asked to walk on water. About two million Israelites marched out of Egypt, but only Joshua and Caleb crossed into the Promised Land. Only Elijah stood for God against four hundred prophets of Bael. David volunteered to fight Goliath while the entire Israelite army trembled in their armor.

What’s wrong with sitting in the boat? Absolutely nothing. We cling to the security of the boat, so why should we climb out?

Something amazing awaits us out on the open sea. Jesus stands there with His nail-scarred hand outstretched toward us. We will experience Him in extraordinary ways, mever before possible. Our faith will soar. The unknown won’t seem so frightening. Stress won’t weigh us down. Rejection won’t hold us hostage. The abundant life Jesus promises begins when we take that first step.

The Greek word translated as abundant means superior. The New Living Translation (NLT) translates it as “rich and satisfying.” The Amplified Bible reads “to the full, til it overflows.”

It’s okay to stay in the boat, but when we make that choice, some blessings will slip right through our fingers. If I hadn’t stepped out onto the waves, I wouldn’t have moved from a white cane   to my beautiful black Lab, Iva and hours of laughter. Even more, I would have missed out on the independence I gained as a blind woman led by a guide dog.

It takes more faith to climb out of the boat than it does to walk on water.

Will you join me? Will you trust Jesus like Peter did? I’m extending my hand to you. Let’s step out together.

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Originally posted on November 11, 2022 @ 3:00 am