May 6: FEAR CALLS OUT OUR DOUBTS. GOD CALLS OUT OUR NAMES.

Affirmation: I am strong and confident. I will seek wisdom.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Ponder, Personalize, Practice: This verse helps me remember God’s unfailing love for me and I put my trust in Him each and every day. Memorizing this verse has allowed me to pray it throughout the day. It gives me a positive perspective and reminds of God’s presence.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 NIV

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Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love. By Bob Goff

May 6

FEAR CALLS OUT OUR DOUBTS. GOD CALLS OUT OUR NAMES.

'"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." 

"Come," he said. MATTHEW 14:28-29 

A quick boat ride away from our lodge in Canada, there's a hidden cove with a magnificent waterfall. Hardly anyone knows about it, so when I go, it feels like it's all mine-like God made a water park just for me. 

My friend Don and I made a trip to the cove years ago. Don and I waded over to the waterfall, and he stepped through the fall and stood next to the rocks while I stayed on the outside. Don was yelling my name. "Bob! Come through! You'll make it! I'm just on the other side! Come on, Bob!" I could barely hear him as the water crashed between us. But his voice was an invitation that demanded a response. It wasn't mere agreement he was looking for; it was actually me taking a step forward. 

Despite my fear, I shuffled forward as the freezing water forced down on me. It felt like a long way, but it really wasn't. After a few steps, I joined Don on the other side. It was the best version of a baptism you can imagine! Looking out toward the cove from behind the waterfall, I understood a little better about the time Jesus walked on water and invited Peter to join Him. Jesus wasn't looking for agreement or affirmation that this would be a great idea for someone else to do. Jesus wanted Peter to take a step. 

Sometimes God asks us to step out (or through). We don't know what we'll see until we go through the deluge. It's scary to step into the unknown, but it's also where we find Jesus; and wherever we find Jesus, we find life. Fear calls out our doubts; God calls out our names. When you hear Jesus calling your name, there's only one way to respond. Take a step. 

What's your next step? What's been holding you back?