The Life That Is Truly Life
OPENING PRAYER:
Father, thank You that You are still making all things new, including me. Amen.
After Jesus caught Peter and they climbed back into the boat, the storm ended and the disciples responded with worship. Paul later wrote to Timothy about the kind of life generosity leads to.
“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:32-33 (NIV); see also 1 Timothy 6:18-19
REFLECT:
The story ends in worship. Stepping out in trust did not just change Peter’s night. It opened everyone’s eyes to who Jesus really is. That is what happens when we trust Jesus: He changes us first, and then through us, He changes our families, our church, our community, and our world.
We are seeing that happen at Pathway. Pastor Todd shared that in 40 years of ministry he has never seen God do what He is doing right now: record baptisms for five straight years, 308 people baptized last year alone, and 55 churches already planted toward our 10-year vision. He also told us about Jace and Marcus, two young men who were wandering and lost, found new life in Jesus through a men’s group, and were baptized this past spring. That is what all things becoming new looks like.
And Pastor Todd is not done stepping out. He and Cris are giving part of their retirement to help accomplish the mission. In his words, “We’re a little bit old, but we ain’t done.” Paul wrote that generosity helps us “take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). Stepping out of the boat is scary, but it is also where we find the life, joy, and adventure our souls are longing for. And if you feel like you have been rowing against the wind your whole life and are sinking, Jesus is reaching out His hand to you, saying, “Come to me.”
APPLY:
Write a short prayer of commitment using this week’s I Will statement, naming the specific step you will take. Share it with someone in your group. Then pray for our 10-year vision: 100 churches planted, 10,000 people coming to know Jesus, and 100,000 lives impacted. If you have never made Jesus the leader and Savior of your life, talk with your campus pastor or a friend about taking that step.
I WILL STATEMENT:
“I will trust Jesus to take a step out of the boat.”
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, I want to walk on the water with You. I want to see Your kingdom come on earth. Keep changing me so that You can change the world through me. I am not finished, and neither are You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.