“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” — Philippians 3:12

Right now, today — would you be brave enough to get out of the boat and walk on water? Would your faith sustain you? It is a question worth pondering for a bit but first, let’s take a look and see how Peter responded.

The Story of Jesus Walking on Water

Jesus sent his disciples on ahead in a boat so he could dismiss the crowd and spend some time alone with his Father. He was to meet them later across the lake.

Once they were a distance, Jesus walked out on the water to greet them. They were afraid when they saw him, thinking it must be a ghost.

Jesus replied, “Take courage! It is I don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27

Peter questioned him and requested, “If it is you let me walk out to you.”

Jesus replies, “Come.” Mathew 14:29

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water toward Jesus. But then he took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on the wind letting fear take over. He began to sink. You can read the entire story here.

This passage is one of my favorites to ponder — would I be brave enough like Peter to even get out of the boat?

And then what?

It isn’t unusual for my faith to start unstoppable, especially when the unexpected hits. But sometimes as I settle into my circumstances and they become my “new normal,” I tend to take my eyes off of Jesus. Even still, when my gaze like Peter’s falters, I have no doubt Jesus will rescue me.

But I want a faith which is striving to focus on God when the storm remains.

I want to be brave enough to walk on water. Don’t you?

Will you join me this year in gaining an unstoppable faith?

Where Will You start?

Setting a “Spiritual Goal” is a great place to start. It is where I choose to start.

However, it doesn’t matter where you start as long as we begin the process of growing closer to God. Do what works for you and begin somewhere.

Determine — What Is Holding You Back?

Maybe last year was another year God didn’t answer your heartfelt prayers. Or, you are in the middle of what seems unbearable, and you can’t imagine adding one more thing to your list. Maybe like me, your faith is strong, but it didn’t seem to grow any deeper during the last year.

You may be wondering, “Why can’t my faith remain as it is?” “After all, I do have faith in God.” Do keep in mind, if we are not drawing closer in a relationship, we are moving further away.

Will you be ready if God calls you to step out of the boat and walk on water? Will your faith sustain you?

Without a doubt, my spiritual goal is to be ready to step out of the boat with a deeper faith, and my eyes fixed on Jesus.

However, there are obstacles in my way which need to be cleared out. I discovered that even when my work focuses on God; I sometimes miss the mark of drawing closer to him. What I think is good and right isn’t always God’s priority.

Have you experienced this too?

It is so easy to become distracted by the things which are based in God yet don’t draw us closer to him. They are all good things but not necessarily what God wants for us. He wants to be number one. He wants us to take hold of him.

Sometimes this will require us to let go of the things which prevent us from taking hold of God in the way he desires. We must press on to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12

In this particular verse, Paul is talking about the goal to become more Christlike, to know Jesus, and become who God wants us to be. To accomplish this, we must begin relying on God every single day.

“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” ― C.S. Lewis

It is a choice!

Waiting for the perfect time is not a smart way to grow closer to God. Start now! Be ready when God calls you to get out of the boat and walk on water. Keep your eyes fixed on Him.

*This article is a condensed version of the original post published on Embracing the Unexpected. Click here if you would like worksheets to walk you through choosing a spiritual goal.

This devotion originally appeared on Devotable written by Maree Dee

Devotable is a brand trying to spread the word of God to everyone around the world.

If you like what we’re doing, please connect with us. We love to hear feedback. Follow us on facebook, twitter, instagram or pinterest. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily devotions and news right in your inbox.

Also, please leave us a clap here on Medium to show your support!