In small group last night, we were talking about getting out of the boat and the risks involved. I retold that story in Matthew where the disciples were crossing the lake and a bad Mama Jama storm hit. I’m sure they were shaking in their fishing sandals. Then, Jesus showed up.
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:27-31
For Peter to walk on the water, God had to show up. God will show up in your life and tell you to get out of the boat and trust Him. But, often times, we don’t get out, because we are afraid. Afraid we may make a fool of ourselves. Afraid of what others will think. Afraid there is too much financial risk. Afraid we are really not seeing God in it. Afraid we may fail. Afraid we may sink.
But, in order for our lives to affect eternity, we have to be willing to take risks. When God shows up, we have to get out of the boat no matter how uncomfortable it might be. There will be times we will take our eyes off of Christ and sink. There will be times we may become too self-sufficient and no longer dependent on the One who showed up in the first place and sink.
Even still, we never stop getting out of the boat.
Sure. Staying in the boat is comfortable. It’s safe. It provides security. But, it’s really a false sense of security. The real security comes in knowing that you are doing exactly what God has called you to do. The real contentment comes in getting out of the boat and keeping your eyes on the One who will make it all possible.
You might argue, “But, Peter sank!” But, Peter freaking walked on water! And, our small group consensus was the dude succeeded!
Maybe, God is asking you right now to risk something and step out of the boat. That means He has showed up. So, trust Him. Step out. The conditions may not be ideal. My good friend, Michael Thurston reminded us last night that it wasn’t calm, still waters Peter stepped out into. Those were some pretty dang rough waters. So, don’t wait for perfect conditions. Instead, wait for God to show up. For Him to whisper to you. For Him to keep presenting you with the same opportunities over and over again as if to say, “Hey! I’m not dropping this! Get out! Do it!”
He loves you. And, you already have everything you need to do all He has called you to do.
Get out! Do it! And, if you sink, allow God to dry you off and grow you. Then, get out of the boat again.
And, again.
“A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are for.” – John A. Shedd
DustyTakle.com 
I will never forget Mike O. handing me his sermon notes titled..”Your miracle is OUTSIDE the boat.” (or something like that.) He talked about how when we are challenged to trust (or get out of the boat) how easy it is to talk ourselves into staying there…staying comfortable…full of excuses & doubt. Taking risks shouldn’t be an option if I want an exciting life…if I want to experience those providential moments. The GOOD STUFF is outside the boat. Staying in the boat is soooo Vanilla. I’m not vanilla. haha
I want my life to mean something beyond living, so I look forward now to getting out of the boat every chance I get. Recently we bought our house, and the scariest part was thinking “can we really do this?” “Is this the right time?” I mean Missy isnt finished with school, and how soon will she get a job if she does get a job(given our current economic climate), plus we had been so comfortable in renting that we almost didint want to risk what we already knew was comfortable. But after much praying, and wise counsel from family and friends we knew that the reward far outweighed the risk. I would rather fail in this venture or any other for that matter and be able to say I gave it all I got, then look back and regret this or any opportunity to get out of the boat……GET OUT OF THE BOAT!
I really needed to hear this today. I know in my own personal life that God is whispering to me to get out of the boat. It’s a struggle to find the courage, but I know that God is faithful!!! Thanks for sharing this.
Keeping real close to Jesus, my eyes and my ears open to listen to Him, taking risk is scary, we are human, I feel we stretch our faith taking risks and even trusting God, cause either way, there is no guarentee but to know He is with us through it all. Great blog Dusty, just love you!!
Awesome!