Matthew 14:22-31 Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land,[b] beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me 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 caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”
We can't stay in the boat.
We can't control the boat.
We cannot stay where we are comfortable.
We MUST step out of the boat.
...even if it SEEMS obviously unsafe.
Being comfortable, the illusion of control, is a trap.
We miss the opportunity to reflect and be God's love & presence in the world.
We miss the opportunity for greatness.
...and we were made for greatness.
Get out of the boat.
There will be a moment, when you swing your leg over the side and need to shift your weight ... and it suddenly becomes very real. If staying in the boat provides the illusion of control, shifting your weight off of it is the submission of your entire self into his providence and Lordship.
What is going on in our lives for which we find ourselves scared to take that first step in faith onto the water? Is Jesus not the God of the Universe? Does he not care deeply for us? He does.
Get out of the boat.
Your brother on the journey,
Nick