“Peter responded and said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus."
Matthew 14:28-29 NASB
Greetings prayer partner,
Are we seeking God in our daily actions and choices, in this Season of Seeking?
Maybe you’re like me – I have pictured this Season of Seeking to be increasing my time in scripture, more time in private prayer, more moments of silence, listening carefully for the voice of the Lord. All while sitting in my very cozy prayer chair, under my favorite fuzzy blanket, with my dog snoozing peacefully nearby.
These quite moments before God have been wonderful! Putting aside distractions and dedicating time to be with the Lord is Biblical and always fruitful. At the same time, God is expanding this season beyond those quiet moments. He is calling me to seek Him outside of my comfort zone: to be like Peter and step out of the boat, toward Him.
Because faith can only grow so far in isolation – at some point, it remains head knowledge, until we put it into practice out in the world, in day-to-day life, letting the truth of God direct our path.
When we pray and ask God to show us where we can put our faith into practice, engaging in with people to share Christ in various ways, He will answer! And that is where life gets messy, uncomfortable, and inconvenient.
Because as Christ followers, our ultimate aim is God’s glory, not our own comfort and convenience.
Recently my family moved across the country to a new state, and as my family and have visited several churches in recent weeks, I can count on one hand the number of people who have spoken to us at church. I’ve been tempted to get angry, to feel dejected. I was even tempted to believe a horrible lie: “I don’t really need to go to church, I can listen to a sermon at home and not speak to anyone new, if that is how church is going to be.”
But the Holy Spirit stopped me – how often did I barely offer a smile to a new face at my previous church, while making a beeline to have a long conversation with my Bible study group, who I would see later in the week?Way too many times to count.
How many people in my previous church did I bypass and overlook because it was easier, and to be completely honest, more enjoyable, to talk to my friends?Many people, I’m sure.
And saying that I’m an introvert by nature and don’t like small talk doesn’t cut it, when God has commanded me, and all believers, in John 13:35 to have love for one another to demonstrate we are His disciples. And showing love never looks like ignoring someone who you have just shared a church service with.
God is teaching me to step out of my comfort zone, to engage with the fellow believers around me, to introduce myself, even multiple times, without a heart of offense. I seek God when I seek to fulfill His commands.
God doesn’t call us to comfort, He calls us to step out of the boat, toward Him, toward holiness.
Holiness can look like speaking to someone new at church, before running over to familiar faces.
Holiness can look like putting our phones down when other people are talking to us, knowing our eye contact and focus communicate love and respect.
Holiness can be responding with patience, grace, and even a friendly laugh in the midst of an over-crowded grocery store on a Saturday afternoon.
If we begin to practice holiness in the small moments, rejecting the idolatry of personal comfort and self-service, our faith will grow and we will be prepared to faithfully take hold of every ministry moment the Lord has prepared for us, each day.
Will you pray with me?
Lord, You are the Author of My Days, and the Creator of each person alive today. You have called me to be an ambassador for You. Forgive me for the times where I have been a poor ambassador, elevating my own convenience and preferences above Your commands, thus giving a false representation of Your heart. Every heartbeat, every moment, of my day belongs to You Lord! I do not want to miss a single second of ministry and growth that You have prepared for me, and I do not want to miss the opportunity to communicate Your love and demonstrate Your grace to the people in my community. Give me the courage to step out of the boat like Peter, keeping my eyes fixed on You. Teach me to overflow with Your love, and open my eyes to see what You see – beyond the hurry of our world, You see each heart who is longing to be filled with Your Gospel and glory. In Jesus’ name. amen.
Peace and blessings,
Amy Parks
Communications Director
