Appointed by Grace-Stepping Out into the Deep

I was not appointed by a group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ Himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead, (Galatians 1:1).

Appointed—chosen, set apart. Not my will, but His.

In reading these words, not by human authority, but through Jesus Christ Himself, we are appointed. Not by man or the powers of this world, but by heavenly power.

I think of how often I look to others for validation. It is human nature; sometimes we need someone to understand us or encourage us to be bold in our potential or sin. But this verse sums it up: If we are appointed by God through Christ to carry out His plan, and if what we are doing aligns with His plan, do we need validation from the world?

How do we step out boldly in love and truth, perhaps against the grain of conformity in this world? Yes, it is scary, and yes, we may lose people, things, or jobs along the way. But we can step out with the knowledge that we are appointed by grace.

It is okay to let go of what is pulling you away from the light and freedom of Christ and move forward. Are you too comfortable in the compromise?

I often feel, in my journey, that comfort is more often the issue than the need for praise or validation from others. The place of comfort feels secure; at least, that is what often keeps us in that space.

Taking that step of faith is like walking into the ocean at night. While the call of the ocean is strong, at least for me, and I know that what is there in the daytime is still there at night, the darkness takes away the comfort of the sunshine that was there hours before.

I am comfortable stepping into the vast ocean during the day, with the sun shining brightly. Yet the same ocean at night reveals a vastness and depth that removes the comfort of daylight, the unknown of what may be lurking beneath the surface of every crashing wave.

Our lives can be like that as well. We stay in our comfort and hold tightly to those times in our lives because we have experienced what is lurking and the overwhelming power of a crashing wave in the darkness.

Step out into the deep. Hold tightly to the appointment of God and, ultimately, to the appointed grace afforded to us through Christ Jesus. Surrender daily. Lay down your cares, burdens, and trials before God, and He will meet you and hold you in comfort, even when the storms of life crash in upon you.

The song Oceans reminds me to ask the Holy Spirit to lead me and take me deeper. Surrender and take a step out into the deep. No matter what may be lurking beneath the surface, remember: You are chosen and set apart by the Creator of the universe. Step out and ride the wave, even in the darkness.

Prayer: Father, thank You for choosing me and appointing me through Jesus Christ. Thank You for overwhelming grace. Give me the courage to surrender the false comfort I may be holding onto and step out into Your plan. Guide me, Father, through the murky waters and bring me safely to shore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.