Stepping Out of the Water

With my geology degree, I found myself sitting in the middle of the ocean and being offshore nine months out of the year. Having just gotten married in March of 2024, I was optimistic for a remote position that would allow me to be with my new bride and regularly attend church. 

The contract for the rig I was on was not renewed, so consequently, I was out a job!  It was a sink or swim situation. I prayed, asking the Lord for wisdom and favor in the coming weeks. My manager called, saying a company was willing to interview me for an offshore job. At the same time, I discovered that my current company had a geology department and was also looking to hire.

I interviewed for the offshore position and was offered the job immediately. I requested time to consider my options and would let them know my decision next week. I spent the week praying, and I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me away from this guaranteed job. I felt like Peter when Jesus told him to “come,” step out of the boat. I knew I carried the Lord's favor and was now being asked to step out in faith.

I turned down the offshore job the next day. That evening, I started to sink, as Peter did, by questioning my decision. But in the morning, Jesus freed me from my self-doubts and covered me with His peace. Then, not even 24 hours later, after declining the offshore job, I received a message from the geology department. They were asking to interview me for a job. I began to radically praise the Lord! I was walking on the water!

I interviewed and was offered the job the following week. Even when things don’t make sense in the natural, having faith and walking in obedience to the Lord will allow Him to honor you. Because, “Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain.”

“For assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,

‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Michael Machner

Houston, TX