Are You Baby Steppin'
- Heather Baird
- Oct 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 24
A few weeks ago, I sent my boss this podcast. It’s a discussion with Simon Sinek. Throughout the conversation, they discussed AI, resiliency, and the power of the struggle. I told her, I felt as humans we’re losing resilience. As a mom, it’s something I contemplate often. How do we train up warriors, resilient kids, in a world that’s so geared towards making everything easy. Her response hit me hard. She said, “I actually think it’s hope. People don’t have any hope.”
HOPE has been the theme God’s been speaking to me about over the last few months. Just days before I had read and written down Hebrews 6:18-19, "… we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
I started thinking, what does hope even mean? So, I googled it, and this is what generated.
Biblical hope is characterized as a confident expectation in the promises of God, grounded in His unchanging nature and faithfulness. Unlike a vague desire or wish, biblical hope is anchored in the uncertainty that God will fulfill what He has proclaimed.
Immediately all I could think was, “Jesus is our hope!” and I went to the storm in Matthew 14 where Peter walked on water. Jesus called out to the disciples and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Here’s the thing, it says Jesus called to THEM. There were twelve disciples in that boat. I question why Peter was the only one who stepped out. I imagine the others clinging to each other, being tossed about, the water splashing in their faces, some of them grasping the side in a vice grip.
I envision Peter sticking his big toe in, testing the waters. Taking baby steps out to Jesus. But then the storm surge hits his legs, he looks down, then his gaze circles around. He gets distracted, takes his eyes off Jesus, and begins to sink.
And I thought, “I think this ties into our sermon Sunday!” We’ve been going through Luke. Specifically, Luke 2. The announcement of Jesus’ arrival. Luke 2:11 says, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah (Christ), the Lord."
The angel announced him first as Savior. Someone who saves. Salvation. The first step of the gospel message. We have to believe and receive his grace, mercy, and forgiveness, but I think sometimes we get stuck here. I keep seeing those eleven disciples still in the boat. I wonder if they were screaming, “Jesus! Save us! Save us Jesus!” But they weren’t willing to get out of the boat.
It’s like purchasing fire insurance. You buy the policy, pay the first month’s premium, but then forget about it, never making another payment, letting the policy lapse. Then when you go to file a claim the insurance company notifies you your policy’s been cancelled.
He didn’t only come as savior, he also came as Lord, master. This word implies surrender. A yes to God, that brings a transformation. I keep thinking back to the Rich Young Man in Matthew 19. He asked Jesus what he needed to do to have eternal life. First Jesus told him to follow all the commandments and laws. The man told Jesus he did, but asked, “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” It says he walked away sad, because he had great wealth.
Our Pastor used the analogy of a house. God’s knocking at our door. Some people peek out the window, but never let him in. Meanwhile Satan is breaking through their windows, wreaking havoc through their lives. Others allow him in, but he’s just a guest. He only gets invited into the clean kitchen and living room. He never makes it past to our closets and under our beds. We don’t give him access to those. They’re off limits.
But he wants it all. Even the hard things, just like he told that young rich man. The lifestyles, habits, addictions, sins, idols, unforgiveness we harbor. He asks us to lay it all down, leave it, turn, and follow after him.
In my own life this wasn’t a one-time occurrence. It’s a daily practice. So often I find myself sighing and saying, “I’m sorry. I’m doing it again.” I’m walking in my self-sufficiency, relying on my old habits, forgetting who’s really in charge. I have to take myself off the throne of my life and put Jesus back up there.
It’s a posture. A heart turned towards him, open ears to hear his voice, ready and willing to obey. Because he wants to occupy our house, make it a home.
In Hebrews 12:1 Paul told us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
What if the story in the boat was different. What if, the disciples had started throwing overboard everything that was weighing them down. Discarded their life vests, stood up, and ran towards Jesus full speed.
He’s our hope. And everything he’s promised is true. We don’t have to fear what we see around us, the hopelessness we feel, or worry about what’s to come, because he’s promised us over and over, he would never leave or forsake us. He would take us by his righteous right hand. Guide our path. Carry and sustain us. He’s got this!
But will we trust him? Give him a home, make him our anchor?
“Hope is the ability to see in the darkness.” ~unknown
~ Jeremiah 17:7-8 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaves will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought nor will cease from yielding fruit."
~ Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
~ Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
~ Zechariah 9:12 "Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you."
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