Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

If you are reading this letter now, God has so mercifully allowed you to complete the first quarter of 2008. I pray that you are boldly moving forward in this year of new beginnings with the goals you set in January. You may have planned to make adjustments that will improve your life such as reading the Word daily, spending more quality time with your family or pursuing a career goal that will bring you fulfillment.

Making changes sometimes requires forsaking the familiar. You simply cannot do what you’ve always done and expect greater results.

IT IS AMAZING HOW SOMETHING DRASTIC HAS TO HAPPEN,
IN ORDER FOR CHANGE TO OCCUR!

Matthew 14: 24-31 explains an account from which we can learn. A storm surfaced while the disciples were on a boat. They saw what appeared to be a ghost-like figure approaching. Jesus tried to settle their fears by confirming that it was really Him. Peter, somewhat doubtful, dared Jesus to give him power to walk on water. Jesus complied.

Peter stepped out of the boat and miraculously began walking on water! As long as he remained focused on Jesus, there were no problems. However, the moment Peter began focusing on the storm, he began to sink. In his weakness, he cried out to an omnipotent Jesus, who stretched out His hand and rescued Peter.

I believed two things caused Peter to sink – fear and focusing on his circumstances. When we say we trust God, we must trust Him wholeheartedly. We cannot become distracted by things going on around us. When things appear impossible and your situation grows challenging, keep your focus on Jesus and keep moving forward!

IT’S TIME TO STEP OUT OF THE BOAT!

God has a plan custom-tailored for you! Like Peter, however, Jesus needs you to step out of the boat so that you may progress toward your greater purpose. Apply Peter’s experience to your own life. The boat symbolizes your comfort zone. It is the place you return to when it appears God isn’t doing things when and how you planned. Your boat may be your past, a rocky relationship or job that’s grown stale.

Peter was a skilled fisherman but his greater purpose was to be a fisher of men. I challenge you to stretch to pursue your dreams and purpose. I want you to:

• Write down one thing you want to accomplish personally and professionally
• Place it where you can see it daily
• Send me your prayer request, PRAYER CHANGES EVERYTHING!

My e-mail address is mykebsr@yahoo.com.

May God Bless and Keep You,
Mychael A. Ball Sr., Community SD