In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul said,

But one thing I do: Forgetting  what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I love the focus here. To be perfectly honest however, I must say that sometimes I don’t want to press on. I recognize that between me and the future that God has for me are fights that I have to win. There are giants that must be slain. Sometimes I don’t want to fight anymore. I want to just stay comfortable in the little boat of false securities, half answers and unanswered questions. I want to stay in the little boat of mediocrity and cheap thrills. But deep inside I feel the call….the call from Jesus to step out of the boat and onto the crashing waves. I love that call and I hate that call.

Sometimes I want to do everything I can to silence it and pretend it’s not there….but I can’t. A ship wasn’t meant to stay in the harbor and our hearts weren’t designed to stay in the boat. We are meant to walk on water as Jesus did. We are meant to step out of our little boats of insecurities and fears. Of lusts and greed and temporal pleasures that don’t last beyond this life. We are called to live as princes and princesses of the King and dine at the table of abundant life. A table overflowing with true joys, lasting peace, supernatural power and life. We grow comfortable though don’t we? Too comfortable.

Paul had achieved a lot. He had seen heaven move on his behalf. He could have just cashed in his chips and spent the rest of his life collecting seashells on the shore of the Mediterranean. But no…. he heard the voice…calling him…beckoning him…..Paul, don’t stop. Don’t settle. I have more for you. Press on. Forget your past failures and shortcomings. Step out of the boat. Embrace the fear and seize the abundant life I’ve created you for.

That same voice is now speaking to us. The question is….how will we respond?