Fence Riders or Wave Riders?

Discouraged.  There isn’t a better word to describe how I feel these days.  While work has been sailing along at an impressive clip and family life has swirled with the force of gale winds, my writing has fallen to the bottom of my list.  With pure determination, I have continued to fight and hang on to my daily time alone in God’s word.  However, life’s distractions have held me firmly away from writing.  I miss it…desperately.  It is difficult to describe the peace I experience when I dare to share my thoughts, hopes and fears.  While this may leave me shaken and vulnerable, I feel God’s presence as I write.  With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I pray that will find the inspiration, focus and courage to return to writing regularly.  Until then…

I am thrilled to share the writings of Jessica Kirkland today as we continue our Friday Fall Favorites series.  She is a Christian, wife, mother of five-year-old triplets (Yikes!), passionate speaker and gifted writer.  She is the Founder of Christian Apps 4 Kids and author of her blog Jessie’s House.  Additionally, she has recently released her first iphone and ipad Christian app for kids: The Sounds of Night!  Jessica is committed to helping young families grow deeper in their walk with God.    

I hope you will enjoy her visit!

Fence Riders or Wave Riders?

He’s one of my favorite apostles. When I feel like sitting on the bench because life is too difficult, I remember him. The apostle Peter was a crazy, beautiful mess!

“But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said.” Matthew 14: 27-29

How many times have I waited to be obedient, wavered in fear, and said those very words, “Lord, if it’s really you…” It’s easy to question the plans God has for us. I can only imagine that the moment Peter’s feet hit the ocean, he began to question his decision. Peter defied human physics when he chose to do the unthinkable, jump into a raging sea to walk on water with the Son of God. How many of us would have had the courage to ever do such a thing? Peter has been thought of as both crazy and brave for his out-of-the-boat rendezvous with Jesus. We can choose to remember him as the disciple whose lack of faith caused him to sink, or the only disciple brave enough to ride the waves instead of the fence.

Each day, we are given a choice: be a fence rider or a wave rider. Fence riders stay in the boat. They watch other people reach their goals. They watch other men date and marry their dream girl. They never ask for the promotion they have dreamed about at work. They simply lack the faith to make their dreams come true. They hope to be something great, but they never take action.

So, which one are you? Are you willing to jump into the vast, black sea with waves crashing all around, for a chance to go on an amazing journey with Jesus?  Will you ride the waves of faith to carry out the good plans God has for you? Or are you a fence rider? Someone stuck in the boat watching other people do daring, amazing things for the kingdom of God. Life is short. In Christ, we all get the chance to make our lives count. I challenge you today, to take the leap of faith. Get your feet wet and trust that God will finish the good work He has begun in you.  For His answer has already been given, “Yes, come.”

 Follow Jessica on Twitter @appmama123!