The steps of a righteous man (or woman) are ordered of God. Once you’re certain you’ve heard from God, you can step out in confidence, knowing that the God who ordered your steps will also sustain you each and every step of the way.
When Jesus asked His disciples to get in the boat and row to the other side, He gave them clear direction. They knew exactly what they were to do. The fact that a storm arose shortly afterwards meant little to Jesus. He had plans for them on the other side and it was only natural that opposition would arise to stop them. While it’s easy to judge the disciples, when it’s you or me, we have to admit it’s not easy to remember what to do to stay focused in the middle of the storm. Sometimes we can lose it to the point of turning back and missing God altogether because of our fear or doubt. But even when the disciples lost their cool, Jesus met them where they were and reassured them everything was going to be okay.
In fact, it was when the disciples were full of fear that Jesus called Peter out of the boat to walk on the water with Him. Even when Peter began to sink, Jesus held him up. These are the times that make for the greatest lessons we’ll ever learn. When we try and fail and try again, we overcome our past and our opposition just because we refuse to give up. That is a passing mark on the test.
When you step out, you automatically step up. You step up to the challenge of taking God at His Word. You step up to the challenge of holding on with a bulldog faith that won’t quit no matter what happens to you or what is happening around you, no matter who is with you or who abandons you, no matter how much money is gone and how much money is left.
In stepping out, you step up because you’re one step ahead of where you were before. If you could see beforehand where that one little step can place you, your excitement would outweigh your fear. Even if fear opposes you, step out anyway. This is a year of promise and promotion. Step out with boldness and confidence and step up with humility and grace. You may find you can even walk on water.