“Stand at the crossroads and look…ask where the good way is, and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
The New Year brings uncertainty.
Most people that know me, I believe would say I move forward in the face of uncertainty; however, at the start of 2023, I had so many uncertainties about so many aspects of my life that I actually felt fear. I purchased a calendar with the theme “Be Not Afraid,” that had verses on each month, many with that very saying in them. As 2022 wrapped up, I had faced loss I hadn’t expected, had many future plans change course, and was left with a gaping hole in my being of uncertainty.
Even with an awesome laid out plan, no one really knows for certain what a day will bring…. But I suppose things moving along as you thought maybe they were going to brings you a little level of comfort I suppose. As I was moving along, realizing the “uncertainty” of life, but feeling fairly certain about where I was, I found myself falling into an abyss of “what’s” and “why’s” and “how’s.” There were few things I felt “certain” about and one evening I found myself feeling anxious, weak, and scared and I told our Father in Heaven I felt like I was going to drown. When a small whisper said back, “I will not let you drown.”
What I began to realize is that this was a Jesus “Walk on Water” moment. I was in that small boat, rocking out at sea. No land in sight. Winds blowing me. Yet, God was extending His hand to me to step out of even that boat and keep taking steps forward. The fear was overwhelming.
I have played the “walk on water” scene in my head many times and of course, I would get out of the boat and run on top of that water to Jesus, right? I mean duh! We know how it ends now so why fear!
But God….
He doesn’t offer the exact same “walk on water” scenario to each of us. That was just one example where He proved His divinity to us. How often does He invite us out of the boat and we stay in our safe, comfortable place hunkered down in fear? How many times does He invite us out of the boat, in the wind, on the water, and we look back and fall down? How many times do we move forward in the face of uncertainty with our eyes only on Him?
“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?’” Matthew 14: 27-31
So, I had a moment to step out of the “boat,” to place my trust in God and keep moving forward or drown in the uncertainty. I had to have faith. I had to step out of the boat and walk ahead knowing even the boat itself may get washed away but at that point, I hadn’t gone that far to only go that far.
Here, one year later, I face the same uncertainties (we all do):
What will happen with my health this year?
How will I pay my bills?
How will my child grow physically, mentally, spiritually?
Who will I lose?
What blessings will I receive?
What struggles will I endure?
And many, many more…..
But this year, I am not afraid. I stepped out of the boat and God did exactly as He promised through Jesus that day on the water. He grabbed my hand and led me to the other side where my faith deepened. He performed many miracles in my life. My health was in His hands. My financial provision was in His hands. My children grew in all ways possible. I faced loss and He held me. He gave me blessing upon blessing. He held my hand through struggle. He never left me. He proved His faithfulness in the storm, and the biggest blessing of all was that I will fear less the next storm that comes because I got out of the boat during the last one.
How may God be asking you to step from the boat and come to Him right now?
Stepping out of the boat with you, Julie
P.S. Today’s image may appear as one of confidence; however, it was me stepping out of the “boat” into uncertainty. I was faced with a crossroads and God whispered “this way.” Taking that picture and being more public with my faith this past year through posts, devotions, and book promotion was terrifying for me. BUT, I’m glad I stepped out of the boat and I sure hope it has helped you in some way on your journey of faith!
Father, Today I Surrender:
My Uncertainty
Show me the next step I should take.