I’ve recently been rereading one of my favorite books If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. A book about the story of Jesus walking on water. You know the one. You can find it in Matthew 14:22-33. Here are verses 25-30.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Peter, sitting in a boat, sees Jesus, calls out to him “tell me to come”. But Peter was comfortable in the boat, why would he want to leave? It was risky and dangerous to step out of the boat, but it was also unsafe to stay in the boat, because it could capsize. Peter knew to take the risk and listen to God’s words “come”. And he did just that. The main reason why he wanted to get out of the boat is because Jesus wasn’t in the boat, He was on the water!
So What would you do if you weren’t afraid? What is your boat? What is your comfort zone? The book mentions a few examples of “boats”. Whether you are in a unhealthy relationship, have an addiction, or are at a job you don’t like. What are you comfortable with that is unhealthy for you? Or is there something you’ve wanted to do, but never did because you were too afraid. Like skydiving, starting a new hobby, or traveling.
I bet you can guess what boat I jumped out of?!? I am leaving my “boat” of the comfortability of my job, apartment, family, friends, etc. Leaving it all behind and joining Jesus on His mission. Becoming homeless, living out of a backpack, living in hot climates with little to no AC, and living in a community of fellow believers (lived by myself for 3 years now). Yes I am afraid, but full trust in God and wanting to grow always includes fear.
Peter was afraid but he knew that Jesus was calling him to trust him, and take that step out on the water. The best part about it Jesus was there the whole time. He didn’t leave Peter to drown when he started to doubt. Jesus reached out His hand and grabbed him. And Jesus is always there for you as well. To pick you up when you fall.
Jesus says in the Great Commission “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I am with you always.
What is God calling you to do? What is your boat that you are comfortable in? It’s time to take the next step, trust God with all your heart. Maybe your next step isn’t as big as others. Maybe it’s helping someone on the street, maybe it’s starting to eat healthier, maybe it’s mending broken relationships you have. Whatever it is, God’s got his hands wrapped around you, keeping you afloat in no matter what your struggles.
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