Yesterday we looked at the story of Peter walking on the water after Jesus beckoned “Come”. It was one step that has become an inspiration for my faith journey. Peter’s step out of the boat symbolizes a key component of brave faith that has spurred me on to writing this 31 days series. But last night, I began to imagine a scenario that looked different. What if….
The water that day was still, almost glassy in texture. The only ripple was caused by a pair of ducks out for their afternoon swim. The skies were blue. The sun was shining. Nothing indicated that one of the biggest brave acts was going to take place. The calm that pervaded the surrounding area provided no warning of an event that would change the faith of one man.
Look carefully at the picture above. Reflect on how brave can also happen on the calm days of our lives. Think about how brave does not require turmoil to be present in our lives. How does this brave look different than the day Peter took his first step out of the boat to walk to Jesus? Can brave exist in our daily lives of routine chores and working a job? What does brave look like currently in your life?
[Tweet “Brave does not require turmoil. It is present in the calm of our everyday too. #bravefaith”]
These questions intertwine with all God is teaching me about brave and how we need brave no matter what our circumstances might be. Brave is stepping out of our comfort zone and reaching for God. When we consider this description of brave, I imagine we would agree that brave is in our everyday ordinary as well as in the struggles that cross our paths. My comfort zone is small and stretching beyond it requires brave faith. God knows I am weak and need Him on Sunday, Monday and every other day of the week. God reaches for us and as soon as we stretch out our arms in acceptance, we become brave. It is a trust that God will do what He says He will do. It is allowing the gift of grace to fill us when everything else seems to be going wrong. It is a deep soul breath of renewal when exhaustion overwhelms and threatens to overcome. It is opening our eyes to the beauty present in our day. Finally, it is knowing God’s love surpasses all other loves and is His gift to us daily.
Being brave in the calm is letting go of ourselves and our agenda in the everyday. It is knowing that it is only through God that we make it through each day. Brave is the release of ourselves while accepting God’s plan. Brave is taking that first step out of the boat when Jesus calls, “Come”. We are all like Peter every time we take a brave step.
Let’s channel a Peter kind of bravery today and everyday.
Mary
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These words sum up everyday ordinary brave for me right now:”It is a deep soul breath of renewal when exhaustion overwhelms and threatens to overcome. It is opening our eyes to the beauty present in our day.” as I struggle with the former and attempt to address it with the latter. Blessed as always by the beauty of understanding and grace you offer here, Mary. Thank you! 🙂 x
I think it can be so so hard to take that first step out of the boat, but you’re so right Jesus calls us to step out of the boat just like Peter. I am learning so much from reading Jen and your series this month. Funny how God gave me “brave” as my One Word 365 for this year.
I seriously think it’s the ordinary that requires the most brave. It’s easy to be revved us about something exciting and/or BIG, but the mundane, the everyday doing, those are the times we must pull up our britches and be our most courageous brave. xo
Great thought. It’s not just in the physical storms what we need bravery. I’m so thankful He supplies it when I trust Him.
You make an excellent point, Mary! Sometimes, doing the ordinary takes more bravery than stepping out of the boat (because stepping out of the boat produces immediate feel-good endorphins that spur us on).
Day 29! You are in the home stretch, my friend. I have so enjoyed your series, Mary, as I know many others have as well. Today has been particularly encouraging for me. Honestly, some days lately, being brave for me has just been getting out of bed. I guess my bed is my “boat” right now. Thank you for your words allowing me to breathe a little deeper :).
I have no words for how encouraging you are! It’s a blessing that God gave me the idea of brave to write about but also has provided the words needed for this series. He knew how much I needed this personally and He did not disappoint. Thank you for being here and cheering me on.
Brave seems so simple yet hard to do. I love that we can be brave even in times of calm. We step out in faith. Sometimes stepping out when things are calm can rock the boat.
So true! I am finding there is nothing simple about brave except that God is in every aspect of it. We are brave because we chose God and when we choose Him we are made stronger whether it is in the calm or the turmoil. Thank you for being here.
Love your posts on courage. They have ministered greatly to me.
Thank you Karen! Your sweet words mean so much. Praying that as we wrap up our 31 days we continue to let God teach us in all areas of our lives. Blessings!