Step in Faith--Walk in Trust--Fall into God's Arms

This Sunday, our pastor spoke on the scripture passage Mathew 14:22-33 where Jesus walks on water.

Most of you know how the story goes. Peter says, "Lord if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus tells him to come and Peter gets out of the boat and walks on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind he becomes afraid and begins to sink crying out "Lord save me!" Jesus reaches out his hand saying "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

The Pastor said that often we rag on Peter and his doubt. Yet, there were eleven others in the boat who were scared and thought that Jesus was a ghost. They didn't even dare to take the step of faith out onto the water.I think that the stories of Peter humanize the disciples. How often do we venture out in faith, only to become uncertain when the winds of confusion and negativity jostle our foundation?

I hope that the videos shared on Susquehanna Xpress give you encouragement to take steps on the path to where God calls you. You don't have to have everything in order and have a perfect plan. God will be there to catch you if you fall. The important thing is that you step our of your comfort zone in order to grow closer to Him.

May God bless you in your future endeavors of stepping out in faith, and may the stories we share inspire you that you can do it!

Tying the Knot, and Taking the Plunge

"Tying the Knot" and "Taking the Plunge" are phrases often associated with weddings, yet this is what I titled my testimony message a few weekends ago. You could tell I had weddings on my mind, especially since I gave my testimony at a church fair in between my friend's wedding and her reception. Yet, I think that those phrases are excellent terms for describing how to follow God's will in your life.We need to tie a rope to God, hold on and take a leap of faith.

Often we veer off in many different directions while trying to find God's call. Sometimes we hear His call, yet we're afraid to suddenly make an 180 degree turn in our lives to the direction he is leading. Yet, if we are not living out God's plan for our life we will not find fulfillment. This was true in my case as I heard God's call into the communication field, but chose to stick with something more financially secure. During this time I constantly had to rely on my weaknesses to get through the day. This led to me feeling miserable not only during school but through the whole day. You're never going to be satisfied and content if you aren't walking in God's will.

I heard God say, "Why would I grant you strengths, and then ask you to live out the majority of your life barely getting-by on your weaknesses? Follow where I call."

I eventually listened to God's nudging, and you know what? God blessed me. I received this job at the conference, in which I am able to share ministry stories of the 900+ U.M. churches in our conference in Pennsylvania. I continued to receive many other blessings from God after I followed where he led. These blessings served as affirmation to me that I was living out God's will.

I will conclude by saying that God doesn't even let our 'frivolous' dreams die. I wanted to travel to Europe during college, because my sister had had the opportunity to do a semester abroad. Yet, it was my last semester of school, and the opportunity had not worked out for me. Then one day, I got an e-mail from the college saying that 12 slots were available to travel to Germany for a Conference on Media and Religion.To apply a student had to write an essay describing why he or she should be chosen. I KNEW God had provided this opportunity for me. I was working with a religious organization, and studying communications, so my background fit the trip's theme very well. Still, I was ecstatic when I opened up the e-mail that said "Congratulations, you have been chosen, to go on this trip." and that is what God is saying to you right now. "Congratulations, YOU have been chosen to go on this journey of a life time, if you only follow me."

Tie a knot to God, and take the plunge, knowing full-well that He will not let you fall. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."