The enemy constantly whispers, “Morgan, stay in the boat.” But Jesus is calling me out of the boat and doesn’t stop there, he is out of the boat and on the water with me.
The boat is my comfort and security. When I am in the boat I feel safe, I feel secure, I feel my faith is strong. Outside of the boat things are unpredictable. So, why should I step out of the boat? I’m “safe” inside, the outside seems so much more dangerous, seems pretty easy…stay in the boat. Wrong.
“Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”” – Matthew 14:27-32
Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk to him. When Jesus commanded Peter to come, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water. Peter had faith.
But after Peter stepped out, he began to look around, what he saw was startling. He was afraid and began to sink. Peter lost faith.
How am I Peter? What’s my boat?
If my boat is my safety, then my boat is my current life. I’m surrounded by people and things I love; I’m apart of a solid community of believers; Everyone I meet in my day-to-day life speaks my language; I have a car; I have a roof over my head; I’m have the opportunity to get a college education; I do not have to go to bed hungry. I would say I am very blessed. I say all of this to show you how appealing my boat feels and looks.
But many many months ago, I asked Jesus to make me comfortable with being uncomfortable. Did I know what I asked for? Did I think it was going to be easy since I ASKED? Maybe I didn’t really understand my request, or maybe it was just going to be hard.
God has presented opportunities to leave my securities and comforts, and my initial response was to back away cowardly every. single. time. They were, in fact, uncomfortable! God has surely answered my prayer for uncomfortableness in a magnitude of ways beyond imaginable. I’ve met people I would have never met, been in situations I would have never thought of, and have grown so much in ways I had no idea I could. I’ve been uncomfortable, I’ve lost faith, and I’ve doubted, but never once did I drown…
Things I know and love today are only because Jesus gave me an opportunity to leave the boat, and after first being timid but then eventually tip toeing out, Jesus grew my faith and showed me he is bigger than my fears. God is always good and faithful.
Then Jesus, once again, called me to step out of the boat. This time it seemed too big. He must have been joking. This wasn’t what I asked for… Right? Ahh, think again. He called me to trust, have faith, and rely on him. He called me to go on the World Race…to step out of the boat.
If I’m not careful I’ll assume my faith is going to hold me up. Peter didn’t stay afloat because of his remarkable step in faith. He was held up by Jesus.
Just like Peter, if I go on the World Race thinking my faith is enough, I’ll sink. The Race is unfamiliar and unknown — circumstance will fluctuate and throw obstacles my way. Already now I’m fearful and afraid. I’m focusing on my ability, or inability rather, and I’m scared. I haven’t even left and I’m already sinking. When Jesus let Peter sink, he didn’t sink like a rock, he let Peter sink slowly. What Peter did next is important! He cried out to his savior for help. Peter humbled himself and asked Jesus to save him. AND Jesus did just that.
God doesn’t let us sink for the sake of sinking, but since he is rich in mercy, he lets us graciously sink in order for us to refocus our eyes on himself.
“And when he does, it is never for just our own benefit. He’s displaying his power so others’ faith will be strengthened too. And, like the disciples in the boat, we end up saying together, “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33).”
The World Race is probably the most uncomfortable experience I can think of at this moment but such an amazing opportunity to lean on the Lord for strength, understanding, and clarity. I truly can’t wait to live a life of uncomfortableness for 11 months spreading his love and hope to the world. Please pray that God continues to push me outside my own securities these next months leading up to launch.
