I want to acknowledge that the title of my blog is similar
to John Ortberg’s book “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of
the boat”. I haven’t read the book yet
but the title has captured me and as my thoughts of this blog were reflected
upon, it brought me back to this book title so I want to acknowledge that.
When Jesus asked Peter to “Come” and walk on water, I think
about what must be going through Peter’s mind. The bible says that Peter steps out of the boat and walks towards the
water. But when he felt the wind, he began to sink and asked Jesus to save
him.
Matthew 14:25-31
25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on
the lake. 26When the disciples saw him
walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said,
and cried out in fear. 27But Jesus
immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I.
Don’t be afraid.” 28“Lord,
if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the
water.” 29“Come,” he
said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the
water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he
saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save
me!” 31Immediately Jesus reached
out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said,
“why did you doubt?”
I’ve been thinking about times when I feel awkward and
uncomfortable and have chosen to avoid these situations. Like choosing not to
integrate into small group because making small talk feels uncomfortable,
walking away from a homeless person because giving money might contribute to
their drinking, not applying to World Race because it would stir up too many
issues with my family. All missed opportunities to allow Jesus to catch me, I
saw the wind come before I even took the step out.
Then I reflect on times when Jesus did catch me – only after
I took the plunge: the immediate peace I had when I said my first prayer when I
was a non believer. When I was diagnosed with a rare type of cancerous tumour,
I had accepted and believed that God knew what was going on in my body and that
He would take care of everything. I had accepted whatever was to come, He would equip me with the strength to deal with. He blessed me with a very quick recovery after
an intense surgery – which surprised the surgeons and physicians – how I had
been spared chemotherapy or radiation treatment post surgery. Changing my parents’ hearts from being
unsupportive of my earlier missions trip to being engaging and participating in
buying school supplies for the children we were to meet. Watching how God provides
through so many supporters for this trip so far. The impact it has had on my
parents have been eye opening to them. They were very skeptical that I would be able
to support raise such a significant amount of money in a tough economical time.
As at our deadline date to reach 60% of our targeted amount, I had reached a
little bit above that. God provides – not just for my financial needs but in
opening my parents’ hearts in understanding what we are doing.
choose the safer choice. I’ve chosen my fair share of safe decisions and the
net result is just that – safe but without a fruitful outcome. I
spend too much time analyzing that it prevents me from taking that plunge and
trusting that Jesus will catch me when I fall. I rationalize that plunging would not be sound. Then I wonder why I am not growing. Peter just took that step, but I do wonder what had crossed his mind when
he was asked to ‘come’. At least he took
the step. Taking the step but then doubting will still help us to experience
God in a personal way, but not taking that step, we shouldn’t expect to meet
with God.
choose to take when I am asked, I have
learned that if I don’t choose to take that plunge, I will not get closer to
Jesus.
