Barnett - Willing to Walk on Water

I AM, BY NATURE, a shy person who is perfectly content serving in the background. I never had a desire to speak publicly or preach from a pulpit. In fact, I ran from such things for the first ten years I was in full-time ministry. I wanted to throw up whenever Matthew, my husband, asked me to stand up front and simply greet the congregation. Once on stage, I would tremble like an exercise Shake Weight.

But not anymore. Now I can stand confidently in front of a crowd of people to tell my story or share Gods message.

The change didnt happen overnight. But it did require a simple understanding of Gods plan for me. I had to stand and speak to others in order to do the work I knew He was calling me to do in my community. And I was willing to do whatever it took.

It is with such willingness that I approach my ministry today. I am humbled by how God has used me and countless others to make the Dream Center a place where lives are changed for His glory. I am humbled by how He has blessed my own life. These were the driving factors behind my desire to write this book.

What Ive learned is that once we make ourselves available to God, we can make a difference in the worlds brokenness (no matter how large or small the problem we take on). When we act within Gods plans for our lives and are open to taking a risk, we can make a positive impact on social injustice through service.

I didnt always think of service and social justice this way. As with most things, God had to open my eyes to see the connection between my lifes work and His work. Even though I had been in ministry for years, I always assumed that our best efforts would only scratch the surface of the problems in our communities and in the world. The problems were just too big. Many times I felt like I was trying to save a sinking ship by scooping out the water one Dixie cup at a time.

I had no expectation or hope that the work I did alongside others could eliminate certain social injustices. I couldnt see that I was, in fact, a part of Gods answer to the worlds problems. And then God began to teach me about Himself and His purpose for my life. I began enlisting supporters for the Dream Centers womens ministry. What God had put on my heart to accomplish needed an army to make it happen. And sure enough, just over five years later, what our womens ministry has accomplished is remarkable. Youll read about this amazing ride throughout this book.

One of the key stories from the Bible that God used to prepare me is found in Matthew 14. Jesus disciples are caught in a storm in the middle of a lake, fearfully battling strong winds, waves, and rain. Then Jesus shows up in a most unbelievable way.

About three oclock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, Its a ghost!

But Jesus spoke to them at once. Dont be afraid, he said. Take courage. I am here!

Then Peter called to him, Lord, if its really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.

Yes, come, Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

MATTHEW 14:25-29

Even though he is terrified, Peter takes Jesus at His word and literally walks out his faith with couragecourage to climb out of the boat. I feel God wants us to do the same thing. He wants us to face our fears and do the seemingly impossible. What it requires is desire and availability.

In his description of the same scene, the Gospel writer Mark adds a stunning piece of information. He recounts that Jesus saw that they [the disciples] were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three oclock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.