As a child, I feared the ocean, which kept me from learning to swim. I recall one occasion when I went to the beach with my dad, and the water was rough. My father encouraged me to step farther out to avoid the waves crashing on the shore. But I thought it safe to stay close to the shore.
Well, while staying where I thought it was safe, a huge wave crested and knocked me over. After swallowing and inhaling undesirable amounts of water, I managed to get my head and body back above sea level. With tears streaming down my face, I headed with fierce intent for the shore. That was it for the beach for me on that day. As I sat on the sand sulking, my dad and a few other men were wading in the ocean, enjoying the swells, well beyond the angry crashes of the waves.
It feels safe to stay close to the shore. Launching out feels scary and carries associated risks. But it is necessary to accomplish great things. To catch the more desirable fish we love, fishermen must launch out beyond the shore. To travel to new locations and experience new opportunities, a ship must venture beyond the port.
Life is filled with opportunities, challenges, successes, and failures. We can choose to face the unknown by staying on the shore. But I want to encourage you to launch out into the deep.
In Luke 5, Jesus made a similar request to Peter, an experienced fisherman. When he obeyed, the results were incredible.
Here are some areas where we need to launch out into the deep:
- Our love for the Lord. Jesus admonished a young man who wanted to know what the greatest commandment was with this advice in Mark 12:30, ‘And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.’ To grow our love, we must spend time talking to God and letting Him speak to us through His Word. Communication produces intimacy, admiration, and gratitude.
- Our obedience to the Word of God. It is vital to obey what God said, even when it is inconvenient and we do not understand. Samuel, in speaking to King Saul, in 1 Samuel 15:22, admonishes that it is better to obey than to sacrifice. This means that, for example, obeying is more important than religious activities and routines. God wants to have and deepen His relationship with you. This happens through obedience.
- Fulfilling our God-given purpose. God has blessed you with gifts and abilities to fulfill an essential purpose. These gifts are to be identified, developed, and shared to bless others and give God glory. The expansion and exposure of this purpose will require you to step outside your comfort zone.
- Strengthening our relationships. We were created for relationships with other people. Yet, at times, relationships can be filled with hurt and disappointment. We must be willing to take crucial steps that can make us vulnerable to deepen the bonds with our family, friends, and loved ones.
It’s not always easy and comfortable. In fact, it can be unnerving and even scary. But launching into avenues and ventures never before experienced creates opportunities for success and fulfillment that staying in a comfort zone cannot. So, launch out into the deep!