Taking the First Step

Dr. Rikki Permenter, Ph.D., Th. M.

“He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.”

Matthew 14:29

Last week I met a guy named Randy. We were on a short-term mission trip in Haiti. This was Randy’s first mission trip. When he heard about the trip he was unsure of what he would like to do once we got there. He could choose from construction, VBS, or teaching at a pastor’s conference. Teaching wasn’t really his thing. VBS wasn’t something he really wanted to do. Construction could be a fit for him - but he didn’t really do construction at home. He knew God was calling him to make the trip but he didn’t quite know why. He was obedient and made the trip - hoping it would make more sense when he got there and God would use him in some way.

Last week civil unrest broke out in Haiti. Our mission team was locked down on a compound for four days. While we were there a few men gathered together and made plans to keep our mission team safe. Randy is active military. Randy was gifted in securing a perimeter, being on the lookout for things that don’t belong, and keeping his team safe. God had plans for Randy but didn't tell him about them until he needed to know. Because of Randy’s obedience, even when he didn’t fully understand why, our team was kept safe.

Sometimes God doesn’t tell you all the details you would like to know. Sometimes he places a seemingly random thing on your heart or He calls you to do a thing that doesn’t make sense. Remember this story about Randy - remember that God knows what he is doing even when you don’t. He has a way of putting you in the right place, at the right time, with the right skill set to give Him glory.

Ask yourself this month how God can use you. Work on developing the trust to follow God even when you don’t fully understand. When he says “Come” — don’t ask question or second guess. Just get out of the boat.

his article can be found in print in the monthly Baptist Association of Southeast Louisiana newsletter.