March 04, 2014

When Jesus Says "Come"




Have you ever had the experience of wanting to do something outside of your comfort zone but never actually doing anything because of your fear?  Of perhaps it wasn't your fear, per se, but the fears of those closest to you concerning your own person?

I have.  And yet I see God doing amazing things around the world and I want to be a part of what He is doing. But that can never happen until I join Him on the water.

In Matthew 14: 27-29  the disciples were in a boat during the early morning hours when they suddenly spotted someone walking on the water.  The person was Jesus!  Peter was so amazed that he asked Jesus to call Him over.  And He did.  And Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water too!

I have been out of my comfort zone before but it never seems to get any easier.  Perhaps because God keeps stretching it in directions He never has in the past.  This time I want to get more involved in providing spiritual counsel, encouragement, and physical aid to those in need around the globe.

For many years I have been a caretaker for my mother and grandmother. And before that I helped raise my brother.  I understand very well both the joys and frustrations of serving.  And I understand that everything that happens to us is something God plans to use in a big way.

This month I am asking God to provide people who will help me step out of the boat.  I will need prayer, encouragement, and financial help to achieve one of my goals.  During the summer I hope to attend an institute focused on the question about whether freedom is a dream or a delusion. 

This is important for me to study because I will, by God's grace, begin helping orphans, leper communities, human trafficking victims, and the like.  All of these people need to know about the hope they can have in Jesus!  But they also will have questions, some of which will be about freedom.

In the right column of this blog is a green picture that says, " Deposit A Gift."  Once clicked it will take you to my fundraising page.  Please know that giving through that page is safe and you will not be charged any fee.  Feel free to give any amount and please share my link with others.  The deadline is May 1st.

http://summerstudies.mydagsite.com/

However you believe God is calling you, don't be intimidated by the winds of negativity or the waves of despair.  Know that God is with you and that if He calls you it is because He can certainly catch you.  But mostly... life is so much more vibrant and exciting and amazing when we put our faith into action.

Blessings to you!

5 comments:

Denise said...

Praying God will bless you, and meet all of your needs.

Sincerity said...

Denise: Thank you dear sister! He is doing something wonderful in my heart and I know that He will provide a way for me to follow Him where ever He leads me.

Abundant blessings to you!

Joy ~ Doodlebug ~ said...

Love this! You're so right. The Bible says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the *life*. He is life. He offers vibrant, abundant, brimming over-life, life to the full. But we have to step outside ourselves and live on the edge of faith sometimes! I love that the Bible says "Do not fear" 365 times in the Bible. It's like a reminder for every day of the year to not be afraid, because our God is with us!

That is so, so great and I'll bet it's super exciting! I'll be praying for you and for God's guidance in this! :)

There's a book I think you might like--Love Does by Bob Goff. I really think you'd love it! :)

Thanks for participating in Faithful Fridays! :)

God bless you and have a great week! :)
Joy :)

T-Childs said...

I would rather be a prisoner in Jesus, than free in the world. Paul may have been in chains at times, but He knew that in Jesus He was freer than the Roman Caesar who had him in chains. The world's freedom only ends ultimately in disappointment, chained to Jesus we are truly free.

Sincerity said...

Joy~Doodlebug: Thank you for your encouragement! I will have to check out that book. :) Prayers are always welcome!

T-Childs: You are exactly right. I was talking about this very topic with a few friends earlier today. The world's freedom is such a lie. Only a life serving Jesus is truly living.