Invitations of Jesus: Episode 14 The Boat

Hello, my walking friend! Are you already walking? I hope so. Are you walking tall, proud, confident? You are walking with Jesus and that should give a certain boldness to our walks, don’t you think?

Today is the 14th episode in the Invitations of Jesus series and we are reflecting on Jesus’ invitation to get out of the boat.

Our verse to meditate on today is 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Do you think of yourself as a risk-taker or someone who likes to stay well within your comfort zone? Personally, I prefer my comfort zone in most areas of life. It’s probably more like the old saying, different strokes for different folks. Some things that I am willing to do, like speak to a large audience, others would say no way. And some things that others would do without hesitation, like make a solo cross country trip, I would say no way.

But when you start following Jesus, it doesn’t matter what your personality type is, he is going to call you outside your own comfort zone. In fact, most of the invitations that Jesus presents to us will, in some way, make us feel a little uncomfortable. If you look through the different people represented in this podcast series, you will realize, as I did, that most of them, if not all, were called to take a bold step of faith. Mephibosheth, the man with the ill boy, Naaman, the tax collectors, Peter, the woman at the well, Rahab, Elijah, the boy with the fish and bread, Paul. And now we are back to considering Peter and the call Jesus had on his life and Jesus’ invitation to him to step out of the boat. Peter, the man Jesus said he would build his church upon. The man who also messed things up on several occasions. I like Peter. I can relate to him. And his story gives me hope and encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone, to accept Jesus’ invitation to step out of the boat. I hope it will do the same for you.

Now let’s take a little time now to meditate on 2 Timothy 1:7:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? I was inspired to write a poem based on the apostle Peter and Jesus’ invitation to step out of the boat called The Boat and you can read the poem in my poetry devotional entitled, Invitations Poetry Devotional.  

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus’ invitation to step out of the boat and what that means to us.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Lord,
You tell us that in this world we will have trouble. When the storms of life rock my boat, remind me that you are my safety net. Fill my heart with the truth that you love me even when I struggle to trust you. Empower me to grow my comfort zone. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, the One who invites me. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:
How do you feel when Jesus calls you to step outside of your comfort zone – do you jump right into the deep end or do you tip your toes in the shallow end? Take a little time now to consider your answer.

Was there a time in your life when you felt confined by your own fears? Think about that time now.

When you have chosen to play it safe and stay in the boat, have you suffered from self-condemnation? What do you think Jesus would say to you instead? Think of that now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time 2 Timothy 1:7:

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Good job, my friend! As you finish up your walk, I hope you feel emboldened to do all that Jesus has called you to do. Leave any self-condemnation behind. There is no place for that! Jesus loves you and has plans for you and he will give you the power, love, and self-discipline to step out of the boat to do what he has called you to do.

Today’s podcast was adapted from my poetry devotional called Invitations. For information on this devotional, or any Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to LynneLeite.com. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another invitation from Jesus. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.