Come to the Altar
This week we asked if we're living in the deep with God or wading at the ankles. Today, we stop asking and respond.
Peter had just pulled in the biggest catch of his life. Two boats so full they began to sink. For a fisherman, that was the dream.
And he left it on the beach.
Peter found something better than full nets. He found Jesus. Sometimes the thing we have to lay down isn't sin. It's something good that's been keeping us from what's best.
Name It
So what's keeping you in the shallow end? It may be comfort, routine, or just being too busy. It could be a faith that's safe, predictable, and never asks much of you.
Ask yourself honestly. Do I want to know God, or just know about Him? What fills the time I say I don't have for Him? What would I have to let go of to go deeper? Am I satisfied with less than He's offering?
Get quiet and name the boat you keep climbing back into.
Lay It Down
Now pray this from your heart:
"Lord Jesus, I've been living at the shoreline. I've settled for knowing about You when You've invited me to know You. Today I lay down my comfortable faith. I lay down the excuses, the distractions, and the boats I keep going back to. I don't want Your blessings more than I want You. Call me into the deep, and I'll follow. Nevertheless, at Your word. In Jesus' name, amen."
Receive
Here's the promise for everyone who stops wading and starts seeking.
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
God doesn't hide from hungry people. When you leave the boat, you don't lose anything that matters. You gain Him.
The shore was never the destination. He was.
Rise and Walk
Tomorrow morning, before you pick up your phone, give God the first fifteen minutes. Open the Word and pray. Make it a rhythm, not a moment.
Bring someone with you. Today, send tomorrow's new series to one friend who's been feeling far from God. Tell them, "Let's do this together."
Coming Monday
Tomorrow we start a new FORMED series called Spiritually Numb. Here's the danger. It's not that you stopped believing. It's that you stopped feeling the weight of what you believe.
If church feels routine and sin doesn't sting like it used to, this week is for you. God isn't done with your heart. He's about to wake it up.
Prayer
Father, thank You for calling me out of the shallow end. Keep me hungry and keep me close. When I'm tempted to drift back to shore, call me into the deep again. In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection
- What boat do I keep climbing back into that keeps me from going deeper with Jesus?