BOOST #009: Step out of your comfort boat ⛵
Closing the Gap of Unbelief in Your Artistic Journey
💖 DEVOTIONAL:
📖 SCRIPTURE:
"…So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus." - Matthew 14:29 (ESV)
Have you ever been faced with an opportunity that you knew was from God, but fear and doubt held you back from pursuing it?
The story of Peter stepping out of the boat in Matthew 14:22-33 is a powerful reminder of what it means to have faith and trust in God, even in the midst of fear and doubt.
We are all familiar with the story, and it is easy to focus on Peter’s failure, when he started to doubt and sink. However, we cannot ignore the fact that he was the only disciple who had the audacity to step out of the boat and walk on water. When everyone else was gripped with fear and believed they were seeing a ghost, Peter dared to challenge Jesus and test His identity. Some might consider Peter reckless, but it is his impulsiveness that led him to situations that the more timid disciples missed out on.
Between the disciples in the boat and Jesus on the water, there was a gap of unbelief. The disciples doubted if it was really Jesus in their midst. Similarly, we can mistake God's presence for something else and doubt if the opportunities in front of us are truly from the Lord, especially if pursuing them feels impossible.
However, we can learn from Peter's example to step out in faith and trust in God to enable us to do extraordinary things, even if they seem out of our comfort zones. In the story, Peter grew closer to the Lord, not just in a literal sense when he walked on water closer to Jesus, but also through the act of trusting Him in the process. It's important to remember that it's not the work itself that brings us closer to God, but rather the act of trusting Him in the midst of it, that deepens our faith and our relationship with Him.
Just as Peter stepped out of the boat in faith, we too can trust God to be with us every step of the way as we seek to close the gap of doubt. Even if we stumble and fall, Jesus is always there to catch us and help us back up. Let us not allow fear and doubt to hold us back, but instead, let us have the audacity to step out of our comfort boats, and by His power, perform amazing feats of obedience to God. In doing so, we can grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with Him!
🙏 PRAYER:
Dear God, we are grateful for the reminder to trust in you and seek your guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our creative pursuits. We ask for your strength and courage to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the opportunities that you have for us, knowing that you are with us every step of the way. In the face of challenges and obstacles, help us to remember that Jesus is always there to catch us and lift us up when we fail. By your power, may we do great things for your glory and grow closer to you in the process of obedience. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
🤔💭 APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
Are there any creative opportunities in your life that you have been hesitant to pursue due to fear or doubt? How can you step out of your comfort zone and trust in God's guidance to pursue them?
Have you ever felt God prompting you to take a step of faith that seems risky or uncertain? How did you respond, and what did you learn from the experience?
💡 PRACTICAL TIPS:
💔 Embrace failure: Don't be afraid to take risks and fail. Failure can be a valuable learning experience and can help you grow as an artist. I know this is easier said than done, but remember that even the most successful artists have experienced failure and setbacks along the way.
🙏 Pray for boldness: Ask God to give you the boldness and courage you need to obey Him and follow His plan for your life. Pray for strength and wisdom, and trust that He will answer your prayers according to His will.
👪 Surround yourself with encouragers: Seek out fellow Christian artists who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability as you pursue your creative goals. This can help you stay motivated and inspired, and can also provide a sense of community and belonging.
🙌
Practice gratitude: Take time to reflect on the blessings God has given you and thank Him for His faithfulness. Gratitude can help shift your focus from fear and doubt to trust and confidence in God!
💪 CREATIVE CHALLENGE:
What does stepping out of your comfort boat look like for you? Create an artwork based on your answer!
🤩 WE’D LOVE TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS! Share your work on Instagram with the hashtag: #IndieBeginningBoost and get a chance to be featured on the next issue!
📅 Deadline: Apr 1, 2023.
⭐ BEGINNERS FEATURE:
Check out these amazing works from our favorite emerging creatives on Instagram:
Are you a Christian creative who is just starting out on Instagram with less than 1k followers? Let us give you a BOOST by featuring your art! Use the hashtag: #IndieBeginningBoost on your Instagram uploads to get a chance to be part of our weekly newsletter! 😎
Hey, creatives! 👋
How are you all doing?
I’m excited to share with you our recent experiences at our movement's Discipleship conference, MOVE IN MIRACLES. As a full-time creative staff, I usually find myself busy behind the scenes during big conferences like this, but last Saturday, I had the privilege of simply attending and soaking in all that God had to offer.
During the conference, God revealed many things to me through the worship, the time of prayer, the fellowship and the powerful messages of amazing speakers. It was a refreshing reminder of the power of the gospel and how God is always moving and working in our lives.
I am excited to share these revelations with you in the weeks to come, and I hope that they will encourage you to seek God's guidance and step out in boldness as you pursue your creative passions!
PS: Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's poll! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps us to create content that meets your needs.
Blessings,
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning
My friend asked me to be the one to take pictures for our campus merch photoshoot. At first, I was hesitant because photography isn't really my strength. Plus, I'm not yet familiar with my camera model. Knowing that I had to be excellent, I wasn't confident enough of my skills and started to look for other excellent people who can do it instead of me. However, none of them was available. I think it was God telling me that I had to do it. And so I did.
Not all of the pictures appeared great but some of them did. At the end of the shoot, I learned what to do and what not to do. But more than the improvement of my skills, my highlight was really how my faith grew stronger and deeper in the Lord. That even in my weaknesses, God can still use me.
Thanks for sharing @Gab Sergio!