Get Out of the Boat

"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. 
Matthew 14:28-29 (NIV)

Stretched before me this morning is beautiful Lake Keowee, SC.  The deep blue water shimmers and ripples as a chilly fall breeze stirs.  Geese glide along the surface. The occasional fisherman emerges from the coves before me, drifting slowly as he stands in his boat to bring in the catch of the day.  Birds sing their autumn song as the leaves offer a glimpse of the brilliance to come.  Gentle lapping of the water on the shore and against the bearings of the dock and gazebo stills my heart and mind.

My thoughts travel to another lake...long ago.  A lake that bore not only the livelihood of some scruffy, rugged  fishermen, but on whose waters Jesus walked...and one of His followers who obeyed the call to, "Come."

I'm spending several days with a precious group of Christian writers.  We are a multifaceted bunch...coming together from various states, even a couple of other countries.  Our ages range from early twenties to senior adult.  In personality, temperament, shape, size (which will be larger for all of us after these days because of our amazing chef), hair color, and life experiences we are all different.  But we share a common bond.  The calling from our Lord to "Come and write."

Like Peter, we are exhilarated by His words...yet often bound by fear. 

Fear.

Of sinking...of failing.

As with Peter, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who beckons us to commit our steps to Him.  We must trust Him to empower us, to walk with us, and to do His will through us.  It must be His voice we hear.  The Voice of Truth.

 Is Jesus calling you to "get out of the boat"?  To write for Him?  To speak in His Name?  To tell someone of His great love?  He has a plan for each of us.  Something He wants us to do for Him.  Are you going to obey?

He's says, "Come."

Will you?

Fix your eyes on Him.  Believe.  And take that first step.

Jesus, we hear Your call.  We long to obey.  Lord, help us to listen to You, to trust You, to go forth in Your power.  We love You and desire to do Your will.