Deep Water

   God sometimes calls His followers into deep water.  Places where they would never choose to go on their own.  With faith in God and confidence in His love, we can follow His call and go into the deep waters of God’s will.

   Abram was called from his homeland to take his family and go to a new land unknown to him.  Without hesitation Abram took his family and belongings and followed God.  He became Abraham, the father of many nations.

   Moses was amazed by a burning bush that wasn’t being consumed by the fire and went to see it.  From the bush God called Him to free His people from slavery in Egypt.  Moses resisted but eventually followed God into the role of leader; one who would free the Israelites from slavery, speak person to person to God on their behalf and lead them to the promised land.  Very deep waters indeed for one who at first resisted God’s call.

   Jesus called His disciples from common men; fishermen, tax collectors and others.  These men left their jobs, homes and families to follow Him in His ministry.  All but one died as a martyr to their faith.

   We too may be called to deep water by God.  Christianity isn’t limited to the shallow end of the pool.  Sometimes it requires jumping into the deep end even though we may not know how to swim; relying totally on God and His plan for us.  The challenge may be different for each of us.  One may have a fear of public speaking but called to do so; another may be called to a life of service in the priesthood; another to marriage and service to God and family.  What is feared as deep water by one may simply be a great place to swim for another.  We each have our fears and God will sometimes call us to overcome those fears.  With faith and confidence in His love we can answer His call knowing that He is always with us.

   “Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’  He said, ‘Come.’  Peter got out the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’  Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him… (Matt 14: 28 – 31)