Stepping Out of the Boat
By Mrs. Stephanie Shafer
Have you ever been afraid to step out of your comfort zone and venture into something new? Have you ever felt the Lord nudging you in a direction you have never gone before? Maybe He is calling you to join a club/organization, start a Bible study, reach out to a new friend or neighbor, or apply to a certain university.
At NorthStar, I felt the Lord moving us to start a podcast. Fear began welling up inside me, and I began thinking through the “what if” questions. However, I truly believed this was the path we were supposed to walk down, and I deeply desired to be obedient. We took the leap! Now, the Lord is using The NorthStar Narrative to magnify the Gospel and encourage Believers in their walks with Christ. If we had not obeyed and stepped out of our comfort zone, we would have missed this amazing journey. We would have missed this particular opportunity to be a shining light for Him. I would have missed getting to work with a team who is uniquely gifted to assist in an endeavor such as this.
As I think about how the podcast came about and how the Lord provided in such magnanimous ways, I am reminded of different people in the Bible who had to navigate through uncharted territory. They had to literally step out in faith trusting the Lord to guide and provide.
Paper Boat by Rob Byron's Images
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Friends, Peter was called to walk on water. Can you even imagine the doubt he faced as the wind started blowing while he was walking?! It seemed as if he had been asked to venture out into an “impossible situation.” Now, we can look back and see how the Lord guided each and every step he took. Even when Peter began to sink, Jesus was there to pick him back up.
This is such a lesson for us still today. The message is challenging yet simple. The Lord told Peter to do something...to venture out...to move forward toward Him...to trust Him, and the Lord directed, protected, and provided.
What is the Lord calling you to do today? What is something you know you should do with the talents the Lord has given you, but you are fearful? Did something pop in your mind that you have been wrestling with?
Let me encourage you with some nuggets of truth.
Keep your eyes fixed on Christ. Stepping out into a new situation might seem scary, but don’t forget that the Lord will provide, and He will guide your steps.
If you stay in your comfort zone, you might miss out on something incredible! I highly encourage you to step out in faith. You will be glad you did.
The Lord has given you distinct gifts to glorify Him. Use those gifts to shine for Christ.
Do not be afraid to fail. In failure, you learn so much more.
Take one step at a time as you venture out.
It is not always easy. In fact, it more-than-likely won’t be easy to “step out of the boat,” but following, trusting, and obeying Jesus is always worth it!
Praying for each of you,
Columns: 📣A Word From Admin ✝️Spiritual Life