* One Yes at a Time series*

This series explores the adventure of fulfilling our godly destiny and purpose, one yes at a time.

Lifeguard to Coast Guard

Contentedly, I enjoy a steaming hot cup of java and another breathtaking sunrise, while seeking the one who created both.

Abba, what would you like to share with me this morning?

BK, do you see the vastness of the sea before you? Do you hear the power of the crashing waves? There is an ebb and flow as the tides change from high to low. High tide takes more ground. Low tide reveals that which was taken. As more ground is taken, it changes the look, texture, and shape of that which existed previously. It is only after water recedes that the underlying changes are visible. Faith is like this example. One must trust changes are happening as ground is being taken in the spiritual realm, even though the transformation is not yet seen or completed in the natural realm.

BK, I designed you to have faith like this ocean example. However, your faith is like a swimming pool. You are comforted by being able to see the bottom. You like to know it is safe and predictable. You have not wanted to venture out into the sea where you can’t see what is going on under the surface. The lost souls are in the sea, not the pool. Will you have faith to venture into uncomfortable waters? Will you be “high tide" for me, a spiritual landscape changer, even when you can’t see those changes yet in the natural realm?

But Father, you have used me in the marketplace for years, delivering words of knowledge, encouragement, and the prophetic.

What you say is true, BK. It has been like this: you have been a lifeguard and I have shown you who is drowning. Each time you hesitated before departing the lifeguard stand. You wanted to be certain I was speaking to you, not the enemy, or your unctions. You pause, to overcome the initial fear you feel each time. After hesitation, you are obedient most of the time to do what I have asked. I thank you for your eventual obedience, and I will still use you as a lifeguard at times. Understand this, a lifeguard is limited by how far they can swim and can save only one person at a time. I want you to grow into being the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard rescues many at one time. The Coast Guard goes out in the worst conditions. The Coast Guard covers vast territories. Get it?

Yes, Abba. I repent of being fearful, not wanting to leave my comfort zone, for hesitating to be obedient, for hindering the full calling you have for me. I repent for not being there for the lost who were drowning, those I could not see because of my own shortcomings. It breaks my heart. Tears stream down my face as this truth sinks in. I have given up too easily, been too selfish, and fearful. I repent of not trusting you. I ask you to empower me to be your Coast Guard. I say yes! Teach me.

BK, you know I love you. You know my voice. We do daily life together. Stop contemplating if it is me, the enemy, or you speaking. It is an outdated old habit from when you were learning to hear my voice. You know my voice. No more old habits. It’s time for a new habit, obedience without hesitation. This is a time for total trust in me. Haven’t I proven myself trustworthy? It is wonderful to be humble, but that does not equate to being timid. Stop hesitating because of fear. STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT! I have created you to slay giants, to go into the enemy's camp, to take ground, and to leave that ground changed. Be “high tide”, my son. Fear not.

Come down off the lifeguard chair and board the vessel I prepared for you before you were born. And, oh yeah, I will ask you to walk on water from time to time. Keep your eyes on me and you will not sink. You cannot do the supernatural I have for you until you shed natural realm mindsets and focuses. What lays ahead cannot be done from a lifeguard chair. I am waiting on the boat. Will you come join me?

Reflections from this encounter:

• I started this day in a good mood, eager to connect with God. I asked him a simple question, clueless he would respond as he did. When I lay down my agenda and ask God what he wants to discuss, I am amazed. Every time!

• I know the humongous love and grace God has for me and for each of us. Out of that place of love, he corrects his children. This probably was as close to a spanking as I have ever gotten from my Heavenly Father. Yet, he did it because he loves the people he wants me to help and my Creator wants me to walk in the fullness he intended.

• He knows the way and I desire to follow his narrow path, shedding anything which hinders my spiritual growth. Faithfully and lovingly, he pulls out the pruning shears so I will travel lighter and freer.

• I will fulfill God's plans and purposes for me as I am obedient ... One Yes at a Time.