Playing Big

I recently finished reading a book that claims it has “practical wisdom for women who want to speak up, create and lead.” It suggests that some women were raised to “play small” and not rock the boat or challenge the status quo. Reading it has encouraged me to step out and do things personally that, in the past, I had been hesitant to do. Sometimes, we can procrastinate and wait for exactly the right time or an opportunity that never comes.  Although it is not a faith-based book, as I took those steps forward, I saw my faith in action!

Ephesians 3:20 (KJV) states God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” How many times do we limit God because of our unbelief or lack of faith?

We need faith like Peter had when he called out to Jesus from the boat, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” He then took the first halting step out of the boat to put his faith in action. Suddenly, the wind and the waves seemed to disappear as his eyes locked onto the master of the storm. But just a few minutes later, Matthew 14:30 tells us he saw the storm, and the fear and unbelief again rose up, and he began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. He chastised Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” We not only have to make the initial step of faith, but we have to continue walking by faith through whatever storms come our way. 

There are many heroes of faith in the Bible. Hebrews Chapter 11 names many of them. Noah, Sarah, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab all had one thing in common. They were willing to follow the call of God wherever it might lead.  They often left the comfort of the usual to step into the unknown. They took “playing big” to a whole new level!

In John 6, the disciples are again in a place of need. There were five thousand followers who had come to hear Jesus’ words.  Jesus asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread for these to eat?” Philip did not have the answer.  It seemed like an insurmountable task to feed so many. Then, Andrew offered that there was a boy with five loaves and two fish that he was willing to give. The boy’s willingness to surrender the small amount he had into Jesus’ hands fed all that were there, with an overflow of twelve baskets remaining. (Perhaps one extra basket for each doubting apostle?)

When we are willing to step out in faith and relinquish what we are holding onto so tightly, what will God do with our offering?

How many can be impacted and fed when we place our small lunch into the hands of the Master?  What can Jesus accomplish in us and through us when we have the faith to step out of the boat?  What is holding YOU back today from playing big and receiving your miracle? 

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep my faith will stand

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now

And I will call upon Your Name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

(Oceans, Hillsong United)