Take the next step
It is time to take the next step.
Looking back, that is what it has felt like all along – step after step after step.
Every step was a big step. Saying the words, calling the counselor, showing up for the appointment, signing up for group therapy and conferences, standing up and sharing my testimony: each and every step was a step of faith that was HUGE at the time.
Isn’t that what God is calling all of us to do? Take the next step? Even if we are full of fear and not equipped?
Just like Peter. He took the next step when Jesus called Him out onto the water in Matthew 14:25-33.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
What is your ghost?
They were afraid because they thought it was a ghost. What is your ghost? What are you afraid of? Can you even name it? Why does it terrify you so?? What keeps you from taking the next step?
My ghost is loaded with lies from the past that tell me to just be quiet and pretend all is well. It’s loud and screams, “What are you doing? This is too risky and iffy, and NO ONE really cares.”
Is God asking you to take the next step?
In spite of all of that noise and fear, just like Peter I will ask, “God if this is really you – help me to take the next step. Help make it happen.”
He shows up, and the voices die down as my toes inch forward in faith. With both eyes focused on Him, the water comes just over my feet and I am stepping on new water.
What is your wind?
When Peter saw the wind he was scared and began to sink. What can blow in with such force that will cause you take your eyes off of Jesus and fill your heart with fear? What is your wind? For me, a bad dream or memory can send me sinking.
The key is to CRY OUT.
When Peter cried out, immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Maybe you too have heard His tender whisper, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” In His arms, you start to recall all of the times He has been faithful to you. Maybe you recite the scriptures and sing the songs that fill you with faith. Sometimes, He shows you the people He used to encourage you and He reminds you of those who are watching in the boat.
Others are in the boat.
When Jesus and Peter climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped and the others in the boat worshipped Him saying, “Truly, you are the son of God!” Others are watching us take our steps of faith. They are seeing us bravely move towards Him afraid, and they also see us slip and fall. They hear our cries, and they see Him building our faith and trust. They see Him as we walk out faith in waters unknown.
They see that they don’t have to be afraid of any ghosts.
They hear Him calling and they take the next step.
They feel the full impact of the wind and it may even knock them down, but they cry out.
They reach for His hand because they know He is there.
They see others around them looking out into the deep knowing there has got to be more.
Whatever it is that He is calling you to do, He is faithful and will equip you.
He doesn’t need perfected talent, He just needs a willing heart.
He doesn’t need us to be ready, He just needs us to be obedient.
What is the next step He is calling you to take?
Be brave friend, He is with you. Don’t be afraid, and keep stepping.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:2-3 MSG
Prayer: Jesus, we want to hear you and obey. Remove any distractions and help us to keep our eyes on you. Lord, help us to take the next brave step and trust you with everything.
Linking up with: Kelly Balarie& Jennifer Dukes Lee
& Bonnie Gray
so inspiring Michelle, I pray that God strengthen my faith!
Thank you Marleny! Praying with you for our faith to grow stronger in Him!
Amen!
I love this Bible story, Michelle, and you have added even more meaning to it. I think the stormy winds that crash over me are the memory triggers and the lies that insecurity and shame pummel me with. Sometimes I’m like Peter who took his eye off of Jesus, and I’m sinking under the waves, drowning but reaching up and crying out in my heart, and Jesus reaches under the water and grabs my hand and pulls me up to again walk beside Him on the water. He helps me to again keep my eye on Him and who I am in Him. Thank you, my friend, for these encouraging thoughts to be brave in Jesus. he will never leave us or abandon us. Blessings and hugs to you!
Yes, Trudy – those are some very painful stormy winds, and Him being there with His hand reaching under the water is such a powerful image to hold onto. His grace meets us in those places for even deeper healing at times. Thank you for your encouraging words – so thankful for you! Blessings and hugs to you too! <3
Thanks! Good motivation! Maybe someday! 🤗
You are stepping brave already, Lee. <3
Just keep stepping. That’s always important advice that I need to hear. It’s easy to let fear paralyze us altogether, but if we concentrate on only the one step in front of us at a time, the Lord will hold our hand. Thanks for sharing!
So true, Lisa… just one step at at time with Him holding our hand. Love it! Thank you for being here!
Hi! I’m visiting from Faith Barista today and the #OneWordCoffee linkup! I just love how you outlined this story I’ve heard time and time again. You brought fresh insight. God has definitely been calling me to step out and be brave in so many small ways. I want to see what’s at the end of all of these steps, but I need to just be faithful to take the next step ahead, then the next, then the next. Thanks for sharing this encouragement today! 🙂
Jordan, thank you so much for stopping by! I completely understand wanting to know what’s at the end of all of these steps. Sometimes, when I get overwhelmed and anxious about what is ahead, I will look back at how He has been faithful. He met me with those steps and will meet me with the next one. You said it well, “we need to just be faithful to take the next step ahead, then the next, then the next”…. Blessings to you!
We just need to keep our eyes on Him!!
Yes, so much pulls and tries to get our focus, and keeping our eyes on Him is the key! Thank you for being here, Beth!
One step…the next…and next…I am learning with every day as long as I stay close to Jesus. Yes, I have fear in taking a next step because I cannot see what is there. That ghost…that wind…for me, they are fear of provision. Will we be ok in our aging years? We are learning to walk forward in Him for He is our Provider. We have enough for today.
Your post is so thought provoking…powerful. I am thankful that you are my neighbor at Suzanne’s today.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Linda, I am thankful to be your neighbor at #livefree and thank you so much for your encouraging words. Your words – “we have enough for today” is so true. It’s hard to think ahead and not worry. I was worried last night and I read this reminder in John 14:27 AMP “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” Such a great reminder to keep taking brave steps eyes on Him knowing He is our provider and give us His peace. Blessings to you!
I love this. So strong. Take the next step!
Thank you so much Suzie! I am forever thankful for you and the way you inspire us all to #livefree! Love your 10am #livefree boost on Periscope too! <3
Step out and faith! Love this post. Glad I bumped into you here at Faith Barista. Jesus equips us for the task at hand. Be brave! Thank you for the reminder. Have a blessed week!
Thank you Carolina! I am so glad you stopped by. Blessings to you!