This post is dedicated to my thankfulness for God and his faithfulness towards me and towards all of us. There are a lot of things we can be thankful for because we get some sort of gain out of it. Whether it is money, a compliment, promotion or recognition of some kind, a friend or someone who likes us, etc.; but sometimes we seem to neglect thanksgiving when we are called to leave those gains behind, or some of those things are stripped away from us. Sometimes it is hard to be thankful in those moments, but that is just the opportunity to be open to God's faithfulness. Let me transition into another way of looking at this. What do we have to rise above, or give up, in order to experience complete peace and happiness? Because if you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat, right?
In Matthew 15:22-33, we hear the story of Jesus walking on water, and He is calling out to us. In verse 27, He says, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid". Peter replies, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter takes courage, does not let the stormy sea and the boat distract him from reaching for Christ. Before Christ has to rescue him from the raging waters, Peter chooses at his own will to get out of the boat. Why would he do that? If you even want a chance to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat! If we want to experience peace which can only come from Christ, we have to rise out of the boat. What is blocking you from getting out of the boat? A lot of things we gain can prevent us from getting out of the boat; however, fear is probably our biggest hindrance. We can not be afraid to gain Christ, and who knows where He will take you; you could be walking out to Him, and He might point to someone/something else in the water or in the boat to bring along with you. As long as we rise out of the boat and run toward Christ, He will rescue us which means: He will be faithful, He will not disappoint, He will fulfill our hearts desires.
10 months ago I had to rise out of the boat. I gave up a promotion, career, financial stability, friends and relationships. A lot of my life was stripped, but now I have peace, I am able to love better, and I have more purpose in my life. I did indeed gain more and I can only give credit to God's faithfulness, for it is by giving up, that I gained.
Are there things you need to give up in order to gain something better?
