Tag Archives: risks

June 16, 2011 · 5:00 am

Keep Getting Out of the Boat.

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

5 Comments

Filed under Chasing Dreams, God Stuff, making an impact, Spiritual Journey

Tagged as , , , ,

June 24, 2008 · 7:00 am

The Risk-Taker

I used to be this girl.  No, I never sat on top of private jets.  A Buick, maybe.  But never a jet.  Anna has this amazing quality in that she will pretty much try anything once.  She fears little.  Her only fears are ones that I’ve instilled in her, specifically a fear of frogs.  I understand these nasty amphibians are harmless.  I just prefer not to host a party for them in my backyard.

She is courageous for two simple reasons:  1) She believes the reward is greater than the risk, and 2) She has complete trust in her mom and dad. 

As a parent to a risk-taker, I have to keep my eyes on her almost constantly, lest she put herself in danger.  That is the tough part.  But, I also have the incredible opportunity to help her appropriately channel her willingness to jump into things that will be for her betterment.  That’s the cool part.

So, where did I lose my leap before I look temperament? 

There was a day I would go all in at the poker table.  Skydive?  Bring it on.  Had money been no object at 20, I feel certain I could have begun a successful business of some sort.  But, somewhere along the way I was no longer under my parents’ covering, mortality became more evident, and then I became a mother.  And that changed everything.

There are certain risks that I do not take out of fear of my children being without me.  Then, there are risks that I do not take because of a lack of trust. 

I can say that I trust God, but sometimes, my fears prove otherwise.  Why don’t I write a book?  Because, maybe no one will read it.  It might suck!  So, what if it does? What if I completely write some crap that never leaves a bookshelf?  What if a publishing company turns me down?  Great.  Then I have a couple hundred pages written for naught. 

If Anna is teaching me one thing it is to do it anyway – even if I skin my knees or have to go the E.R. to get my head stapled.  Not in a careless kind of way, but with the realization that the reward outweighs the risk.  And, nothing great comes out of playing it safe.

And, once we realize that we serve a God that always goes before us.  Who said that we can do all things in Him that strengthens us, then we just might accomplish some great things.

I hope I am successful in one day transferring Anna’s trust in her dad and me to the One who created her.  Then, her achievements through Him will be limitless.

Is fear keeping you from doing something?  What are you going to do about it?

4 Comments

Filed under life, parenting

Tagged as , ,