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
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