You Can Walk On Water

I heard about a guy out in Texas who invited a lot of bachelors out to his ranch for a BBQ. He got them all around and once he got them all in place he stood up before them and said, "Look over the edge at the little lake on my ranch. I’ve filled it with crocodiles and alligators." He said, "If there is anyone willing to walk across these alligators and crocodiles and go from this end of the lake and get out on the other side alive, I'll give you one of three things. I'll give you a 500-acre ranch, a million dollars in cash, or the hand of my daughter in marriage. Which ever one you want." He had no sooner said it than somebody jumped into that lake. "Splash," he heard it and looked over the edge and there was a guy in that lake that didn't even take his shoes off. He still had a three-piece suit on. He was flying across those gaters and crocs as fast as humanly possible. Water was flying everywhere. Crocodiles snapping and alligators chasing him and this guy, was going through it all. He made it all the way to the other end. He climbed out soaking wet, but without a scratch on him. He was breathing deeply trying to get his breath. The rich Texan went over to him and this is what he said, "Son, I meant this as a practical joke. I didn't really mean for anyone to swim that lake. But you did it and I'm as good as my word. Which one do you want, the five hundred acre ranch, the one million dollars in cash, or my daughter's hand in marriage?" The young man looked at the rich Texan and said, "I don't want none of them. I just want to get my hands on the man that pushed me! That's what I want!"

You know, I’ve found, that to get some church members to step out of the boat sometimes you have to nudge them a little bit. I want to nudge you a bit. If you see someone sinking in their faith, don't point your finger, extend your hand, to lift them up. Maybe you need to invite some of the young adults, or that new family or the teachers over for a BBQ (without the alligators and crocodiles please) even though that sounds like fun, reach out to them in love.

Jesus has called us all to walk in his footsteps... to step out of the boat and to follow him, draw close to him, and to walk as he walks. Are will you merely sitting in the boat? I want to give you a push. Yeah there is a storm out there... there may even be a few alligators and crocodiles… but you've stayed in the boat too long. You are struggling with the oars trying to go places for God when Jesus just wants you to draw near to him. OH, don't be content with just enough faith to be safe. Step out and draw near to Jesus, focus on him and not the circumstances and the storms, and if you get that sinking feeling, remember he wants to reach out his hand and lift you up and expects you to do the same when you see someone else sinking. God Bless.