The Miracle Begins With a Step of Obedience
Isaiah 43:1-2
[1] But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. [2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
Deep waters, rivers, and fire are the tough parts of following God. As we read here and in many other verses in the Bible, God isn't offering us a way around any of it. There is no easy path, just the path the Lord has laid out before you. The sad part is that at the first sign of something difficult, our natural human reaction is to panic and find the easy escape, even if that escape is harmful.
Where do the miracles start? Obedience.
Noah had to build the ark before his family and he were saved from the flood. The Israelites had to step into the Jordan before the waters parted. That step was more than just a physical reaction to their minds' command to "put your right foot in the water." They had doubts. They had questions. They were fighting embarrassment. But they had something stronger driving them: trust in an unfailing God.
God promises to walk with us through the Jordan, to make a way through, and to hold the water back so we don't drown. We just need to take that step of obedience. The first step we take from the safe, dry ground into the water is the first step we take into the miracle.
Not seeing miracles? Where are you being pushed to step, but you're still on the shore with your toes in the sand?
Make no mistake, we are all called to step off the shore and into the water. Staying on the shore means that your fear of the unknown, loss, or failure—or the comfort of the familiar pain of where you currently are—outweighs the trust you have in God.
If you trust God, you will step. There are no other options, no other "buts." "I trust Him BUT" is not a phrase a true follower of God should ever say.
If there are some reservations in your mind about your faith, then this is the call to ask God to reveal where YOU have the problem. God is unchanging; if there is anything lacking, it is on our side. I know that sounds pretty stupidly obvious, but in the heat of the moment, we point those fingers all over the place except where they should be pointed.
In our obedience, God provides us with the desire, strength, and determination to shift the desires of our hearts. This means it gets easier the more we obey. Each step of obedience allows our trust to grow and our perspective to change.
When are you going to get your feet wet?
Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen
Isaiah 30:20-21
[20] Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. [21] Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.
