I came across a great quote the other day and realized that it is perfect to share here. It is all about taking steps, but keeping in mind that every journey has many steps.
Have you ever tried to go up a staircase straddling more than one step at a time? If you have longer legs, it probably worked out okay for you, but there is the possibility that as you were stretching your legs for that next step, you did not quite reach it and you were hanging on precariously. A staircase is meant to be climbed one step at a time. A journey of brave faith is meant to be conquered one step at a time. The journey anywhere happens one step at a time. We do not get from A to Z without following the path and taking the steps needed to get there.
Martin Luther King puts this into perspective with these words… “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” In other words, we just need to take that step. God will be there to guide us the rest of the way.
God teaches us new lessons all the time. Since the beginning of this year, He has had me on this journey to brave. He first started working in me when our church began a series on brave. The key verse that has been a constant reminder for me during this time is from Matthew 14. I have read this passage over and over and have found these words about Peter and the disciples, inspiring and motivating on this path to brave faith.
The passage begins with Jesus asking his disciples to get in the boat while He dismissed the crowd of five thousand that had gathered to hear Him. Peter and the disciples proceed to the boat and as they are leaving the shore, a storm begins to increase with intensity. The disciples, frightened and hanging on desperately in the midst of the storm, see a figure coming toward them across the water. Thinking it is a ghost, terror arises anew. Just as they are shouting that it is a ghost, another voice calls out.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:27-32
Jesus beckons for us to take that one step. I am a toe dipper and immediately pull my foot out of the water if it doesn’t feel just right. Peter did not test the waters first and instead immediately got out of the boat when Jesus said, “Come”. He faithfully followed and took that first step. I included the rest of the passage to show that doubt creeps in when our eyes lose sight of Jesus. Peter does lose focus and this causes him to sink. Jesus just asks us to take that first step.
[Tweet “Step out of the boat, take that first step and let Jesus do the rest. #bravefaith #write31days”]
Verse 29 portrays faith. It displays heeding the voice of Jesus and taking that first step. It’s words describe when brave is one step, not the whole staircase. This verse has been on repeat in my life. It shows up at church, at conferences, in devotionals and in words that others share with me. It is God calling me, as well as all of us, to take that first step. Be brave and step out of the boat.
Step out of the boat and let Jesus take care of the rest! Be brave!
Mary
The demons prove that you can believe in Jesus and not trust in Him. The journey to trusting Him is different for each of us. And begins with a single, brave step. This has been such a great series, Mary. Thank you.
Mu series changed its path a little at the end. When I saw the quote from Martin Luther King it gave me a much needed perspective for how to take baby steps in my own journey. So glad you are here and walking with me!
Yes let’s step out of the boat. I love that MLK Jr. Quote
Stepping out together will be so much easier! Thanks for being brave with me!
That’s something that helps me often – thinking, “I just have to get through this moment, this hour, this day” rather than looking at the whole big issue and thinking I’ll never make it.
I have always been more successful when I think and work things out in small increments rather than big chunks. Let’s be brave by taking baby steps and let God lead the way to the bigger things. Blessed you stopped by.
Mary, thanks for stopping by my post today & commenting 🙂 I wanted to read yours as well. Don’t you just love how God faithfully (and patiently) puts things in front of us until we finally “get them” 🙂 It was great reading your words tonight. Thanks!!
Oh, you asked where we were from — in central Indiana – approximately 2hrs & 15min from the UC campus. Our son graduated from the Conservatory of Music there in June. I also have a sister who lives in the Norwood area of Cinci 🙂 It’s a GREAT town!!!
I have enjoyed your beautiful photos and just plain real and honest words. I am blessed that you stopped by here to join in the conversation.
I love that we live “near” each other and CCM is an outstanding school. Hope your son liked it. Thank you for connecting with me.
Ah, that first step does require a lot of bravery–but the higher we climb, the easier the steps become (thank goodness). My problem? Sometimes I can’t figure which first step to take–which staircase is the right one for right now?
You always help me see a different perspective with the words I wrote. I love that about when you stop here.I know I also have trouble finding the right staircase. Maybe we are thinking too hard about this and we need to just let it go and let God lead the way!!! Thanks for being here!
A brilliant reminder for me today. Thanks for sharing.
I am glad this spoke to you! Thank you for being here today.