Stepping Out of Your Boat

Have you ever felt like you were living in someone else's shadow? Maybe it's the shadow of self-doubt, the shadow of past mistakes, or even the shadow of expectations of others. If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with stepping out of our comfort zones and into the life God has planned for us. But what if I told you that stepping out of your "boat" could lead to a life of faith, courage, and purpose?

In today’s sermon, we explored the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33). This powerful narrative teaches us three essential steps to keep our lives from sinking: trusting God, having fearless faith, and working our worship. Let's dive deeper into these steps and discover how you can apply them to your life.

Trust God, Don't Test Him

The first step is to stop testing God and start trusting Him. When Peter asked Jesus to tell him to come on the water, I believe he was testing the waters—literally and figuratively. Instead of fully trusting Jesus, Peter was cautious, dipping his toe in rather than diving in wholeheartedly.

Trusting God means taking Him at His word. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." Trust that God is with you, even in the most turbulent times. Remember, Jesus is the living water, and when you drink from Him, you will never thirst again (John 4:13 NLT).

Change Your Faith from Fair Weather to Fearless

The second step is to change your faith from fair weather to fearless. Fair-weather faith is only active when life is smooth sailing. But what happens when the winds and waves start to churn? Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm around him.

Fearless faith means keeping your eyes on Jesus, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes, God allows the waters to trouble to test our faith and strengthen our trust in Him. Just like Harriet Tubman used the song "Wade in the Water" to guide our ancestors to safety, God uses troubled waters to guide us closer to Him. When you feel like you're sinking, call out to Jesus, and He will reach out His hand to save you.

Work Your Worship, Not Your Worry

The final step is to work your worship, not your worry. When Peter and Jesus got back into the boat, the wind died down, and the disciples began to worship Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. When you worship, you invite God's presence into your situation, and His peace will calm the storm. Philippians 4:6 says don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything (NLT).

Conclusion

So, what’s holding you back from stepping out of your boat? Is it fear, doubt, or past mistakes? Jesus is calling you to step out and trust Him. He wants to take you to places where no eye has seen, and no ear has heard (1 Corinthians 2:9). This week, focus on trusting God, having fearless faith, and working your worship.

Ask yourself: What step can I take today to trust Jesus more? Maybe it's spending more time in prayer, reading your Bible, or simply taking a step of faith in a challenging situation. Whatever it is, know that Jesus is with you, ready to catch you if you start to sink.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to step out of our boats and into a life of faith and purpose. Help us to trust You fully, even when the waters are troubled. Strengthen our faith to be fearless, keeping our eyes on Jesus. Teach us to worship You in every circumstance, knowing that You are in control. Guide us and lead us as we step out in faith this week. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

In our fast-paced world, many of us are weighed down by the heavy burden of negative feelings that have piled up overtime. Dr. David Hawkins, in his book Letting Go: The Pathway to Surrender suggests that the average human life is spent trying to avoid and run from inner turmoil and pain. We often turn to various distractions—new hobbies, traveling, or even pursuing another degree or achievement—to escape our feelings. However, these temporary fixes rarely provide lasting relief.

The story of Joseph in the Bible offers profound insights into the process of letting go and letting God take control. Joseph faced numerous detours, disappointments, and delays on his journey to fulfill his dreams. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and enduring years of hardship, Joseph ultimately recognized that it was God who had orchestrated his path. In Genesis 45:8, Joseph tells his brothers, "It was not you who sent me here, but God."

After their father Jacob died, Joseph's brothers feared retribution for their past wrongs (Genesis 50:15-21). They approached Joseph with a message, supposedly from their father, asking for forgiveness. Joseph's response was one of grace and forgiveness. However, he wept, not out of anger, but because I believe he was still holding on to things he had not fully surrendered as explained by David Hawkins in his book. Suppressed feelings have a way of coming to the surface at times we least expect.

I believe Joseph's story teaches us three essential steps in how we can Let Go and Let God:

Release the Pain of the Past

Just as Joseph wept and released his pent-up emotions, we too must confront and let go of our past hurts. Holding onto past pain only hinders our ability to move forward. As Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Repurpose Your Purpose

Joseph's journey from a young dreamer to a wise leader exemplifies the importance of repurposing our lives. What may seem like setbacks can be opportunities for growth and new purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Embrace the changes and allow God to repurpose your life for His glory.

Rest on the Promises of God

In times of uncertainty, we must learn to trust in God's promises. Joseph reassured his brothers, saying, "Do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your children" (Genesis 50:21). Similarly, we can find comfort in knowing that God is our provider and protector. As Jehovah Jireh, He is our provider and will make a way when there seems to be no way.

As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that God is always in control. He will come to our aid, redeem us, and lead us to what He has promised. Just as Joseph instructed for his bones to be carried to the land of promise, this is not our final destination for God has an even greater reward in glory for those who trust Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to release the pain of my past, repurpose my life according to Your will, and rest on Your promises. Grant me the strength to surrender fully to You, trusting that You will guide me through every trial and triumph. In Jesus' name, Amen.

But God: Lessons from the Life of Joseph

In scripture, sometimes the smallest words carry the most profound messages. Among these, the three-letter word "but" stands out, offering hope and change. As a child watching Schoolhouse Rock, I learned that but is a conjunction that serves a very important function. The word but when used in a sentence negates everything that comes before it. One of the greatest Christian Hymns, Amazing Grace, put it this way, I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind, but now I see. With the word but, God shifts our circumstance, no matter how dire they may seem. Such is the case in the story of Joseph in Genesis Chapter 45.

The story of Joseph, as recounted in Genesis 45:7-8, is a testament to the transformative power of "but God." Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace is an illustration of how Joseph, sold into slavery by his own brothers, endured years of hardship and imprisonment. Yet, through it all, he remained faithful to God. When he finally revealed his identity to his brothers, he said, "It wasn’t you who sent me here, but God." From Joseph's story, we can glean three essential life lessons:

Don't Let Hard Times Harden Your Heart Toward God:

Joseph's ability to forgive his brothers after all they had done to him is a remarkable example of grace and compassion. Despite the pain and betrayal, Joseph's heart remained open to reconciliation rather than revenge. This teaches us that, even in our darkest moments, we should strive to keep our hearts tender and receptive to God's love. As Jesus taught, we should turn the other cheek and forgive those who wrong us, embodying the love that "keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5).

God Places Us in Positions for a Higher Purpose:

Joseph's rise to power in Egypt was not a mere coincidence but a part of God's divine plan. He was positioned to save his family and preserve a remnant of God's people. This reminds us that our trials and tribulations are not without purpose. God can use our experiences, no matter how painful, to fulfill His greater plan. Just as Joseph was preserved in the pit and the prison, we too are being prepared for the roles God has in store for us. Our gifts and talents are meant to serve His purpose, and in His timing, they will be revealed.

Your Comeback Will Be Stronger Than Your Setback:

Joseph's life is a powerful example of resilience and redemption. Despite being betrayed, falsely accused, and imprisoned, he emerged stronger and more influential than ever. Our setbacks are not the end of our story. With faith and perseverance, we can overcome adversity and experience a triumphant comeback. Life may knock us down, but with God's help, we can rise again, dream again, and hope again. In every challenge and triumph, let us remember the power of "but God." He can change our story with just one word, one look, one thought, or one moment.

Let us Pray
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the "but God" moments in our lives that have shifted our stories and brought us closer to You. Help us to keep our hearts tender and open, even in the face of adversity. Teach us to forgive as Joseph forgave, and to recognize the higher purpose You have for our lives. Strengthen us to rise from our setbacks and to trust in Your divine plan. We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who offers us eternal life and abundant grace. May our lives be a testament to Your love and power. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Dealing with Delays: A Message for Dads

Life is full of unexpected delays, and as fathers, we often find ourselves navigating these moments not just for ourselves but for our families too. Whether it's career setbacks, financial hurdles, or family challenges, delays can test our patience. However, the story of Joseph in Genesis 39:21-23 offers profound lessons on how to handle these delays with grace and faithfulness.

Joseph's life was marked by a series of delays. He was his father Jacob's pride and joy, adorned with a coat of many colors, which made his brothers envious. Joseph had dreams of greatness, but his brothers' jealousy led them to sell him into slavery. Even when falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and thrown into prison, Joseph's faith did not waver. This experience offers some powerful lessons we can all emulate.

1. Don’t Let Disappointments Stop Your Devotion to God

In life, we often face disappointments that can shake our faith. However, Joseph's story teaches us that our devotion to God should not be contingent on our circumstances. Joseph remained loyal and committed to God even when he was in prison. In other words, he didn't let his disappointments stop his devotion. Similarly, we must remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God's delays are often for our development. Sometimes, we are not ready for what we desire, and God uses these delays to prepare us for greater things.

2. Keep the Fire of Your Faith Burning Bright
 
To navigate delays, we must keep the fire of our faith burning bright by adding something to the flame. 2 Peter 1:5-8 encourages us to add to our faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These qualities fuel our faith and keep us from becoming ineffective. As people of faith, we need to continually refuel our faith through prayer, trust, and reliance on God. When our faith is strong, we can face adversities with resilience. In doing so, we become examples to our children, showing them how to trust God in difficult times.

3. Do the Work While Waiting on God to Deliver
 
Joseph didn't sit idly in prison; he worked diligently and found favor with the warden, who put him in charge of the entire operation. This teaches us that even in times of delay, there is work that can be done. We can use these times to prepare for the future. For example, write down your vision, work on your business plan, seek mentorship, and develop new skills while you are waiting. By staying productive, we position ourselves to receive God's promises when the time is right.

Summary

In conclusion, delays are a part of life, but they don't have to derail our purpose.  As fathers we have the responsibility to lead our families through these times with unwavering devotion, a burning faith, and diligent work. Remember, a delay is not a denial. God is always on time, and He is working behind the scenes for our good. Your family is watching how you handle the wait. Lead them with faith knowing that God's timing is perfect.

Enough is Enough: Finding Contentment in God's Grace

In a world where there never seems to be enough—enough time, enough money, enough accolades, or enough success—it's easy to get caught in an endless cycle of striving for more. I have certainly been there! But as we reflect on Genesis 33, we find a profound lesson in the story of Jacob and Esau that teaches us when enough is truly enough.
 
The Encounter of Jacob and Esau

Genesis 33 recounts the emotional reunion of two brothers, Jacob and Esau, after 20 years of estrangement. Jacob, who had previously deceived Esau out of his birthright, approaches his brother with trepidation, offering gifts as a peace offering. Esau, however, responds with unexpected grace, saying, "I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself" (Genesis 33:9). Jacob insists, "Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have enough" (Genesis 33:11).
 
A Tale of Two Perspectives

There is a critical distinction between the brothers' declarations of having "enough." Jacob acknowledges that his sufficiency comes from God's grace, saying, "God has dealt graciously with me." In contrast, Esau's statement lacks any mention of God, reflecting a self-reliant attitude. This difference underscores a cultural tendency to attribute success to personal effort rather than divine providence.

The Grace of God Covers All Gaps

One of the key lessons from this story is that God's grace is sufficient to cover all our shortcomings. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God tells him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." While people may point out our flaws and gaps, God's grace fills those voids, making us whole and complete in Him.
 
Turning Deepest Pain into Greatest Gain

Another powerful lesson is that God can transform our deepest pain into our greatest gain. Jacob's wrestling with God, which left him with a limp, also led to a new identity and mission. He was no longer Jacob, the deceiver, but Israel, the one who wrestles with God and prevails. This transformation illustrates how God can use our struggles to refine us and redirect our lives toward His divine purpose.

Overcoming Insecurities with God's Strength

Sometimes we wrestle with the insecurities and questions of whether we are smart enough, pretty enough, or capable enough. Just as Jacob wrestled with God and emerged stronger, we too can find strength in our relationship with God. Psalm 23:6 reassures us, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life," reminding us that God's presence is enough to overcome any insecurity.
 
Conclusion: Embracing God's Sufficiency

The story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33 teaches us that true contentment comes from recognizing God's grace in our lives. When we acknowledge that God is the source of our sufficiency, we can confidently say, "I have enough." This perspective frees us from the endless pursuit of more and allows us to rest in the assurance that God's grace is indeed sufficient.

Remember that you are enough because God is enough. His grace, power, and presence are all you need to live a fulfilled and content life. So, the next time you find yourself caught in the cycle of never enough, pause and reflect on the sufficiency of God's grace and declare that enough is enough!

In Genesis 26, Abraham's child of the promise Isaac found himself in the midst of a famine. During a time of famine, food is extremely scarce and, in many cases, non-existent. However, as one writer put it, famine is not just about food, but famine speaks to a certain mentality. A famine mentality only sees lack which feeds hoarding and withholding while a feast mentality sees opportunity and abundance. If we are honest, we have all come up against a famine mentality or a sense that there was something lacking in ourselves.

What do we do when feelings of famine and scarcity seem to surround us? Well, God has provided us with three main courses on the menu of life so that we can feast even in the midst of famine.

First Course: Trusting God through Times of Testing

When faced with difficult circumstances, it is crucial to trust in the Lord and rely on His guidance. Just as Isaac stayed in Gerar, we must remain obedient to God's commands and not succumb to our own impulses. Feast thinking is the mindset that allows us to see God's abundance even in times of scarcity. Instead of feeding our fears and worries, we should nourish our faith and trust that God has prepared a better future for us. During times of testing, we should embrace the truth that God is with us. We are not alone in our struggles, for God is the fourth person in the fire and the ram in the bush.

Second Course: Surrendering to God's Will

To feast in famine, we must surrender ourselves to God's will and let go of worries, pain, and doubts. Surrendering enables us to live out our faith without being entangled in the things of this world. We need to trust that God's promises are connected to our lives, but we must be in a position to receive them. Being present in our own lives and circumstances allows us to be ready when God sends His blessings our way.

Third Course: Holding onto our Hope

Hope is the course and a dessert dish we should always savor. It reminds us that a brighter tomorrow is on the horizon, even in the midst of tough times. Just as Issac planted his seed, we should plant seeds of hope even when we feel like we have nothing left. God's promises never fail, and when we sow in faith, trusting that He will provide the increase, we will reap a bountiful harvest.

So let us feast, not on earthly worries, but on the promises and provisions that comes from trusting in our Heavenly Father

75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly, Matthew 26:75

A few years ago, I traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for a conference. I decided that I would not rent a car and take an Uber to and from the conference each day. I had not experienced the joy of using an Uber before. I admit that the whole idea of riding with someone that I did not know thrust me into a certain level of anxiety. On this particular-morning, I scheduled an Uber, and system said the driver would be arriving in approximately 15 minutes. Well, 15 minutes came, and 15 minutes went, and the driver still was not there. So, I decided to check to see where the driver was using the Uber App on my phone.
 
As I was watching the driver approach my pick-up location, I could see that the driver made a wrong turn, which added 5 more minutes onto the estimated time of arrival. This technology blew my mind because by using the Uber App, I could track the driver’s movements, I could see their mistakes, and I could see where the driver had gone wrong, and the struggle to course correct.

The driver finally arrived, and on the ride over to the conference, I began to consider just how easy it is for us to see corrections that others need to make. We can see where others have gone wrong, we can see their vulnerabilities, we can see their insecurities, but the truth is, we often struggle to see our own. The disciple Peter has always fascinated me in this regard because he could see what others could not. For example, Peter could see that Jesus was the Messiah (Mark 8:29) when others could not. Yet, the disciple Peter was often blind to his own challenges.

The gospel of Matthew 26:75 recounts the story of a painful moment when the truth came out in Peter’s life. Jesus had told Peter that before the rooster crows, you would have denied me three times (Luke 22:34). Peter, who was always self-assured and confident said, “if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Mark 14:31). But Jesus could see through the façade, and the false persona. Peter, like many of us are afraid of what will happen if the truth comes out.  

When I was younger, people would try to tell me things about myself. However, because it did not fit my self-concept or how I saw my life at the time, I was not as receptive to it. We all need people in our lives who can serve as truth-tellers even when it hurts. When the truth finally came out, it hurt Peter so bad that he wept bitterly. The truth is not designed to make us bitter. The truth is designed to make us better. It is the knowledge of the truth that will set us free (John 8:32). When the truth came out, it set Peter free. The truth also made Peter a better and a bolder witness for Jesus that he had previously been.  

In the book of Acts for example, on the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up, and delivered a powerful message (Acts 2:14). By the time he had finished preaching, many were baptized, and three thousand people were added to the Kingdom (Acts 2:41). Peter was not only preaching the truth, but he was now living the truth. This is what we are called to do as believers. To worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The truth is that we are more than our faults and failures. And the truth is that we are more than our pain and disappointments. We serve a God who is loving and forgiving, and who can handle our truth.

About the author: Jimmy Arthur Atkins is the Founder/Senior Pastor of True Worship Christian Fellowship. When he is not in the pulpit, he enjoys writing, traveling, and experiencing new cultures.