Uncharted Waters….

A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.

A few weeks ago I stumbled across this saying on the author, Norm Schriver’s, Facebook page. It was scribbled on a wall he found on one of his many travels.

It pricked my mind and the more I meditated on it, the more profound it was. It was beautifully simple, but quite pointed. Ships are built for sailing in oceans and for adventures out at sea. Of course there are risks, but regardless, that’s what ships are made to do. Staying in the harbor gets you nowhere!

The thing about us humans, is that we never know how much we are capable of until we try. Admittedly, to try is to risk failure and risking failure is scary. But not moving because of the fear of failure is, by default, FAILING. The same thing you were afraid of.

military days

In 1999, I joined the Marine Corps and was shipped off to boot camp. It was in those three long months that I discovered that there was some hidden grit inside of me. Grit that was only unveiled by the resilience to survive the miles and miles of running, humping, marching, fighting, shooting, shooting some more, swimming, jungle survival and mind games. Watching many get injured and some struggling to make it. But there was a design in me that persevered to be the honor graduate at graduation 🙂

Fast forward many many years later, and God said to start this blog. Expand your ministry. Explore your design. Did I move? Nope. Not for many months. I didn’t know anything about blogging, didn’t have any friends who blogged and I was afraid to fail. Staying ‘safely’ in a harbor, but still failing by default!

I am the same vessel in both of these scenarios but the decision to push out into uncharted waters is a constant one, because God is progressive. And as soon as you think you have mastered something, there is a new something to master.

Many of us have mastered some high waves and rough seas in our lives. Triumphed over cancer, disabilities, abuse, death and heart wrenching tragedies, loss, addictions, migrating to a new country and culture, poverty and a plethora of circumstances that tested our fortitude. But we get a new assignment from God and we run for cover in the harbor.

What new voyage has God opened up for you? Is it perhaps starting a study group, teaching, preaching, going to school/seminary, writing a book, accepting a new offer, opening a business, tackling a new project, being more vocal, marketing what HE is doing in your corner of the world, or perhaps just trying a new hairstyle, new food, learning a language etc….Get out the harbor!

If HE has opened it, then you were designed for it; AND when God opens the door it is HIS responsibility to keep it open.

My prayer is that my words will give you a much needed nudge to push out into some uncharted waters 😉

God gets pleasure watching you be you!

Blessings always

JC