Hebrews 11.1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Sometimes to get somewhere in life, stepping out of the boat would be necessary. Sometimes God wants us to trust Him by stepping out of the boat, and then He will reward us with His peace. We have to ask ourselves – do we want to grow spiritually? Do we want our faith to grow? Or would we rather have it that our faith remain stagnant? Would we rather stand still and not move forward with life?

What is it that is stopping us from moving forward in our life? What is stopping us from doing what God has called us to do? What is the fear that is stopping us from doing what is right? It takes courage and a step of faith to do what is right. But sometimes there are obstacles blocking us from moving forward. And then we just stare at a dead end. Not moving forward. Just stuck. Stuck in a falling depression. Stuck in our cage. Not really realising it because there is no-one to point it out to us. Stuck in our comfort zone because it is easier to be safe than to take a risk. To take a risk and see what God really has in store for us.

I remember the times where God pulled me out of my comfort zone and made me do things that I did not want to do. But then I also had to be willing to move forward with my life. Like the time that I left my ex-husband, or the time that I had to break free from the manipulative and controlling voices in my life. By taking that risk, I was learning to free myself from those chains of oppression and being able to be dependent on God and not people. It was a rewarding and refreshing experience for me. God is good and gracious. He is a God of love and compassion. God is a God of second chances. Will you take a second chance?

Sometimes God provides us with golden opportunities to get out of that comfort zone, and an easy way out with someone out there to support you as you learn to take that risk to let go of all those negative chains around you. God teaches us on how not to be afraid, but to trust Him in all things. Is the boat really that safe? Will you really experience spiritual growth by just staying on the boat? How will you move forward in life if you are never really willing to take a risk?

Where do you see yourself in ten years time? God doesn’t always give us the easy answers. God doesn’t always map out the future for us. Sometimes He wants us to make our own decisions in order for us to trust Him. He’s teaching us to be dependent, but He also gives us free choice. He wants us to embrace the challenges. He does not want us to run from them. What will you do? Embrace the challenges? Or walk away from them because it is easier to do so. God wants us to be free but sometimes we cannot be free if we stay in the boat. Sometimes we can only be free when we let go of what is hindering us to move forward with our lives.

What will you do? Step out of the boat? Or stay in the boat? What will be the most rewarding path for you to take? Step out of the boat: from comfort to courage. Great rewards await you when courage takes you away from your comfort zone. But is it really your comfort zone? Or just a place where you think you feel safe.

What does God want you to do? Seek Him earnestly. Don’t avoid Him.