But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. (Matthew 15:13—NIV)

"Let's get out there and take the world for Jesus!"

Sounds good. Sounds like it is from the Lord.

But something is not right. The Lord of Glory Himself does not seem to be at the forefront.

Some have stated that God has people and churches He has hidden and intends to bring forth to prominence as soon as they come to really know Him, believers who are accustomed to waiting for the Holy One of Israel. I think God loves such even though they appear to be barren.

How many instances are there in the Scriptures of barren people bringing forth the true messengers of God? We think of Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth.

For it is written: "Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband."  (Galatians 4:27—NIV)

There is an excellent example in the Scriptures of taking a step toward God.

When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:26-29—NIV)

There were several disciples in the boat. Only Peter took the initiative. Just think! They all could have gotten out of the boat and walked on the water—the experience of a lifetime!—if only they had cared enough to ask Jesus. What a marvelous experience they would have been able to recount to their family and friends!

There they sat, frozen with fear and indecision.

Peter was ready to take a step. But first—

"Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."

Do you see the balance here?

Peter took the initiative. But in so doing he did not jump out of the boat. He asked the Lord to tell him to come, although first he made sure it really was the Lord and not a ghost.

"Lord, if it's you."

It always is a good idea to check the spirits when you are dealing with the supernatural.

As we have said, most Christians, it appears, miss God because they do not actively take a step toward Him each day.

Other Christians miss God because they think they can step in any direction they please and God somehow will reward their desires to accomplish things in His Kingdom (supposedly). They are ready to jump off the pinnacle, having been taught that God will catch them so they do not hurt themselves.

If we are to gain our inheritance, to enter the rest of God, we must take a step toward God each day and we must look to Him each day to make sure He is telling us to come ahead.

How wonderful to walk on the water with Jesus. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

How about you?(from A Step Toward God)