Adventures Start Away From Home

"I don't need you to see what is ahead. I just need you to listen"
Jesus
 

Tonight is my last night in the United States for nearly a year. Tomorrow morning, my entire squad will be boarding a plane to Guatemala — our first country "officially" on The World Race. 

This past week, I have been in Chicago with my WR squad :: worshipping, training and getting to know our team. 

Launch has been an important week in beginning our process and journey of the next 11 months. 

We are leaving everything we know for an adventure to journey with the One who first called us, Jesus Christ.

If there is one thing that God continues to teach me, it is that His voice is real and that He desires to speak to us.

 

This morning I read Matthew 14: 22-36. Here are a few highlights of the passage ::

"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen and they were fighting heavy waves. About 3 o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water… Jesus spoke to them at once, "Don't be afraid, take courage, I am here!"
 

The story continues with Peter yelling out to Jesus, that if it is really Him to call out to Peter to come and walk on the water towards Him. Jesus calls Peter's name. Peter, in his tremendous faith and excitement hopped over the side of the boat walking on the water towards Jesus. 

Instantly, the waves overwhelm Peter. Peter begins to sink — yet Jesus saves him.

What a powerful passage.

I am such a Peter. The storms come and I want to run to Jesus but I often get overwhelmed by the waves even after stepping out in faith. Then, I doubt that Jesus has even called me. But God is always faithful to pull me back, to save me. 

Jesus called to Peter to come out towards Him. Jesus has called me to step out in faith and "walk on the water". I find myself sinking as I focus on the storm. When I focus on the storm I can no longer see Jesus. 

It's all about Jesus. It's about focusing on the One who saved me, that called me by name. It's about trusting His Word and that He is faithful to fulfill it.

From this day forward — through the storms of life and through the calm of the sea, I desire to keep me focus on the One who called me to serve Him through The World Race. There are already storms and more storms will continue to arise — but Jesus is the answer. Walking on water is impossible and The World Race is impossible without the presence of God. It is Him that my focus must be on.

So let this thing called The World Race happen. I am not turning back now, I've stepped out of the boat. And now I have a choice to focus on the storms, or Jesus. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Amen.