Climbing Out of the Boat

I never really learned to swim. Jumping off the diving board and playing in the water never excited or intrigued me. I can swim enough to get from side to side of the pool. Even when I am soaking up sun on a float, I constantly stay aware of where I am in case I tip off - don't want to be in the deep end for that!


The deep end. Totally immersed. Water above, below, all around. I never watched Titanic because I think the worst way to die would be drowning. I hate when I'm watching shows and there is a drowning scene. I try to stay out of the deep end.


I have found myself to be safely floating along in my cozy little boat on a peaceful little river with a surface like glass reflecting the surrounding mountains and bright sun rays...and there God is, bidding me to climb out. Is he crazy?! Doesn't he know it's dangerous out there?! Doesn't he know I can't swim?! Surely he is calling someone else, not me. Yeah, that's got to be the answer. He has me mistaken for someone else.


Yet, here I am, climbing over the side. Ever so gently testing the waters, so to speak, and hoping for solid footing. Even on the water. Because He has reminded me it's not about how well I can swim but whether my eyes are on Him.


With my eyes locked onto His, I am taking the cautious first step. Hoping beyond hope that I have learned from Peter's mistake and I won't get distracted and look away - not even the slightest glance away.  I dare not blink.


What's the purpose? Why can't I just paddle my way over to where you are, Lord? Why do I have to leave my relative safety and step out where I've never been before?


Two songs, both water themed, have been consuming me the past few days. Both reminding me as they play over and over in my thoughts that God is calling me. Out upon the water. Into a great unknown. Where feet may fall. And there I find you in the mystery....there I find HIM in the mystery. It's not for me to know. It IS for me to obey. (That song is Oceans, in case you were wondering.) The other song is called Walking on Water. And it simply states, I'm walking on water, my eyes on you. I'm walking on water, coming after YOU.


I can honestly tell you, it's all still a great mystery right now. I'm not sure what lies ahead of me, but I am beyond excited for a new adventure! So, my eyes are fixed on Jesus. And I suppose I am going to be going deeper than my feet could ever wander. And I know that through it my faith will absolutely be made stronger.


Like I said, I'm not sure of it all just yet, but I felt that by sharing this I may encourage someone else to get out of the boat. For me, I think it has something to do with boldness. Boldness to be an example. Boldness to speak up in love. Boldness to venture into new territory and teach with the passion God has given me. To be open and honest about my own walk with the Lord in a way I never have before.


But you have to know that as I planned to write today and share what God is doing, Satan tried to derail me. He was quick to tell me what a failure I am. A real disappointment. Unusable. A distraction instead of a light.


But God. Oh, those precious words! But God affirmed and reaffirmed what He is teaching me. Not revealing the goal, but reminding me to keep my eyes on the prize.


So, here goes nothin'! I'm climbing over the side of my secure, comfortable, happy place and stepping into the new adventure God has for me. I really hope you'll climb over the side that is keeping you safe and secure and come with me on your own adventure. Let's see what God has in store for those who trust Him!


Stay tuned! I'll let you know what happens next!