Get out of the Boat

Dear readers, this is a combined repost, with an update here in pretty italics. I continue to be inspired by my brothers and sisters in Christ. I. also, continue to despair for them as well. We need to encourage each other, we need, let me reemphasize that WE NEED to encourage each other. When someone is walking out on faith whether they are doing something for their marriage like The Respect Dare or as a parent like All-Pro Dad or doing church from home via internet (Save The Cowboy) - encourage them. We don't need the details of someone's walk, we just need to know they are walking. And we need to encourage them. So, inspired by a Dare in The Respect Dare and by my desire to intentionally encourage people (Encourage Sisters) I invite you to enjoy this post, and the poem that goes with it. Bright blessings, Shanyn

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Sailing Lessons

A while back I wrote a poem called Get Out of The Boat on my poetry blog. 

I am still working on it, this getting out of the boat and walking with Jesus on the water.

It isn't easy.  The boat is filled with well meaning people who offer all sorts of seemingly sound advice.  They may even offer their prayers.  But what they are not offering is a hand to walk out in faith,.

Why?  Why?


WHY?


I wish I knew.  Maybe their own doubts hold them back and that encourages them to hold everyone else back?  Maybe their desire to be safe is greater than their fear of the water?

What God has been impressing upon my heart lately though is this:

Get Out Of The Boat!


You know the story, right?  If not, refresh yourself here at Matthew 14:22-33

A friend of mine wrote a book, against a lot of advice from people in her church, advice that would have denied a lot of people access to God's wisdom spoken through her.

A number of acquaintances are seeking to find truth in strange places while they stay safe on the boat.  You can, for example, read all the Amish books you want.  You can simplify your life.  It will not make you Amish.    They too, are people seeking God.  In their own way.  But God`s way for them may not be God`s way for you.


You may try to appear in a certain way.  Speaking in a certain fashion, perhaps.  This helps you appear wise.  Calm.  Godly.  Passionless.  Dead.  


SAFE on the BOAT!


Lukewarm on the boat.  In the middle rows.  Not at the helm, not working the mast.  Not on the rudder or rowing. Sitting and watching some fool stepping over the side. 

Brothers and sisters...can I ask you for something...

When someone gets out of the boat, even starts talking about it, cheer them on!


Shout some prayers of encouragement!


Remind them to focus on the face of Jesus across the waves.


It isn`t our job to keep them in the boat when God calls them out of it!

I would love to hear your stories of getting out of the boat...share them with us in the comments.

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Get Out Of The Boat
Inspired by Matthew 14:22-33.  Please feel free to read before, or after! 

Reach Your hand to me, oh Lord.

Touch me so that I won’t sink in.

Raise my face to Your eyes.

Touch my spirit so I can rise!

Walk me across the water, oh Lord!

Blind me to all but Your hand.

Watch my steps, let me falter not.

Blind me to all but each step ahead!

Lord, before all of that, please God.

Let me hear Your voice calling me.

Lord, draw me to You, wherever.

Lord, tell me, “Get out of the boat!”

Jesus, You never fail us. We fail us.

God, Your promises never break.

People, we fail, we break, we sink too.

We can’t walk on the water unless we

get out of the boat!