I’ve Got To Get Out of My Comfort Zone…
So, I’ll Get Out Of The Boat….But Stand On The Rock!
There have been quite a few popular books published expounding on the concept of getting out of the boat. However today, we are going to “kick it up a notch”. Getting out of the boat is the initial step. So what’s the next step? STANDING ON THE ROCK!!!
Just to recant; the basis for this perception of getting out of the boat is referenced in the book of St. Matthew 14:23-33. When we refer to this story we are informed that it is the fourth watch. Now, the fourth watch was the final watch. That’s when Jesus showed up! So today….because we are in the “final watch”…therefore, we can expect Jesus to show up in our situations – at any time. SUDDENLY!!! Look for Jesus! He will show up! (We’ll discuss this in detail at a later date.)
So, what does getting out of the boat entail? Basically, first, it means that I must move beyond the arena where I know that I can excel. I must advance from the level where I have already acquired a certain degree of knowledge and where I feel as though I can “tread the water”……my comfort zone! I must now begin to exercise my faith and to venture into those areas within in me….that are still “uncharted waters”. We all have within us gifts and callings which have yet to be developed. As I explained in a previous lesson…. discover your “Untapped Potential”.
To begin to discover my untapped potential; I have to come to the realization, that I must make a conscious decision to step out of my boat…my own will, emotions, gifts etc.. Next, I must come into an agreement with the mind of God and into the next phase of the purpose that He has for my life. To get out of the boat means that I have to relinquish the pillars of my education, past experiences and acquired knowledge … and rely totally on God. In other words….I must learn to stand solely on the promises of God. He must become my only Rock.
To get out of the boat and to stand on the rock requires me to: maintain my focus, increase my fortitude and to anchor myself in the Word of God.
As I stand…like Peter, I must: Ask, Seek and Wait. Peter first asked, “Lord is it you?”. Therefore, before you just jump out of your boat – know whose voice is calling you! Next, always seek the face of God for instruction, wisdom and direction. Lastly, learn to “Wait” for the manifestation of His divine presence. Peter’s decision to advance out of the boat came after direct instructions from the voice of the Lord in response to his questions. Jesus told him specifically two things. Be not afraid and come.
Today, we are still being instructed to: take courage, be not afraid, and get out of the boat…..but to stand on the Rock. I am reminded of two hymns (for those of you who still remember what there are!). The first is, “In Times Like These”. The chorus (the vamp) said, “Be sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips that solid Rock”. The other hymn is, “My Hope is Built”.
In conclusion, to get out of the boat and stand on the rock I must have: a made up mind (Philippians 2:5); persistence (I Corinthians 15:58), and above all an expressed level of unwavering faith (James 1:6-8).
My Hope is built on nothing less; Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand; ALL other ground is sinking sand!
In Times Like These
Words and Music by Ruth Caye Jones
In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure; Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible, In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure, Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior, In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure, My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One; This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure, Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
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