STEPPING OUT

I had a wonderful week of spiritual refreshment when I attended a conference featuring Bill Johnson called “Kingdom Culture”, followed by a personal retreat at the Sunshine Coast. I was blessed to hear the teaching about the presence of God at the conference. Then I spent two days practising how to usher the presence of God in my life at the Sunshine Coast. Here are some photos of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

STEPPING OUT

Have you ever attempted to do things that were beyond your natural ability, whether in school, university, the workplace, business, family or ministry? In the past 20 years of my Christian life, I have attempted some things that were beyond my natural ability. I know that without the help of God, I would have failed, or done poorly, in my tasks, goals, visions and dreams. I believe God desires for us to do extraordinary things in life with His empowerment like Peter walking on water. Read Matthew 14:25-33

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." 28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" 32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Matthew 14:25-33

Jesus is a supernatural God! He walked on water when no one else could. He desires for us to do extraordinary things for Him just like Apostle Peter who walked on water. I would like to share three reasons we step out for God.

Stepping out when God speaks

Apostle Peter desired to walk on water, but he only stepped out of the boat after hearing the invitation from Jesus. We should step out when we hear the voice of God speaking to us. Recently, I was invited by a Christian organization to be a speaker at a prison. I was afraid to share in a prison because I had never done it before. As I was praying about it, God reminded me of Apostle Peter walking on water. I felt God encouraging me to go and speak to the prisoners about His love and plan. I obeyed God even though I was a bit apprehensive about it.

We can step out confidently when God speaks to us to do something beyond ourselves.

Stepping out knowing God is faithful

The Bible says God’s love never fails. He desires to help us succeed in life. Whatever He asks us to do, He will support us. God is faithful in bringing His purpose to pass in our lives. We are bound to faces challenges when attempting to do great things in life and doing the will of God. The storms will come, the winds will blow, the rain will fall, but God will always be there for us to give a helping hand. Jesus held up Apostle Peter when he started sinking.

The One who calls us to step out will always be there in troubled times.

Stepping out because God is God

The disciples acknowledged the presence of a living God when they witnessed the miracle. God wants us to know and experience His reality. He is God and He can reveal His power in our lives. God wants us to acknowledge His divinity. He is God and He is in control of every situation. The world is in His hands. Jesus was acknowledged to be Son of God because He has attributes of God.

I went to the prison and shared a message of God's love and prayed for healing for the inmates. God healed many people from all kinds of pain in their bodies. A man who had a hearing impairment was healed by God after prayer. God was moving powerfully through me and other Christians in the prison because we stepped out and obeyed Him.

We can trust in God's Words because He is God and never changes.