Out in the water


Recently Joel Thomas, Lead Pastor of Northpoint Community Church, shared in a series titled, Choose to lose the following quotes: “Jesus doesn’t hang out in boats, he’s out there in the water” and “”How”, usually follows obedience” @joelt_. These expressions resonated with me. Joel was speaking about the account in Matthew when Peter walked on water. You may or may not believe the story, but in spite of that, there are many principles we can use in our daily lives.

One of them is revealed right where the event itself took place; out in the water. It is our nature to gravitate towards those environments or experiences that we feel comfortable with. Invariably, these choices give us a false sense of control. As amazing the story is, so is the principle I gleaned from Joel’s quotes: In order to achieve the impossible, we need to do the uncomfortable. Sometimes we have to walk out of the place we know into a place we don’t. Just as Peter dared to step out of what he knew was safe (the boat) and moved into a place he knew was not (the water), we need at times to move from the safe to the daring. And it is very uncomfortable, and sometimes scary.

But what is the alternative? What is the story you want to tell? How will you know how far, high or deep you can go if you stay safe? Probably our biggest hesitation lies in the fact that we don’t know if this next step we are taking is misguided. It could also be that we are unsure we have all the facts, making it easier for us to step back and wait. I subscribe to the idea of making good decisions with enough information, but there are times in life that we just have to move boldly towards our calling. This might be that time.

And just as the story has many principles, any daring step will also bring new challenges and new unknowns. But think of this: No one before or after Peter has ever walked on water. What is it you feel called to do that is uncomfortable? Could this be the moment that could define the rest of your life? There may be many things you don’t know how to do, but remember that “how, usually follows obedience”.

If you hear Jesus telling you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”, and “Come” then take that step, because Jesus doesn’t hang out in boats, he’s out there in the water.

You can watch Joel’s message here.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2014
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

El hacer es mayor que el hablar


“Lo que hacemos es el reflejo de lo que está dentro de nosotros. Podemos decir muchas cosas, pero nuestras acciones revelan nuestro verdadero ser. Cambia tus acciones, cambia tu vida “-. Danny Maldonado

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”

All in one


“The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure.” – John Locke

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Pararse o volar


“Cuando se llega al borde de toda la luz que conoces y estás a punto de dar un paso en la oscuridad de lo desconocido, la fe consiste en saber que una de dos cosas ha de suceder: habrá algo sólido para pararse o se te enseñará cómo volar “- Barbar J. Winter

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”

To stand or to fly


“When you come to the edge of all the light you know and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught how to fly” – Barbara J. Winter

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Saber lo que tienes


“Es algo peligroso el preguntar por qué a otro le ha sido dado más. Es una lección de humildad e incluso saludable, el preguntar por qué se nos ha dado tanto.” – Condoleezza Rice

Manténganse libres del amor al dinero, y conténtense con lo que tienen, porque Dios ha dicho: “Nunca te dejaré; jamás te abandonaré.”

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”