GET OUT OF THE BOAT
The story of Peter walking on water is a familiar story. It’s a simple story of faith and trust, but let’s look a little deeper. Think about the context of Peter walking on water. Why would a grown man ask Jesus to invite him to walk on water? Why get out of a safe boat and risk the danger? We might overlook the fact that a treacherous storm was raging and the disciples feared the boat would sink. Maybe it was a choice between a sinking boat and walking on the water with Jesus? Now the water walk seems like the safest alternative! Maybe without the storm Peter would never have walked on the water.
What storms are you facing in your life? Have you considered that God allows them to rage around us so we’ll take that step of faith and move towards Him? Maybe God is trying to get you out of your comfort zone and draw closer to Him. Jesus didn’t stop the storm, but He was there for Peter. He may not be stopping your storm but He is certainly there for you, too. Take a risk and get out of the boat!
When Peter looked on Jesus, he walked on water. He was amazed! Surely he knew he couldn’t do it on his own ! It took faith and obedience! Peter didn’t get very far until he started to look at the raging waters- his circumstances and started to sink.
When we get our focus off Jesus and focus on our circumstances it is easy to be fearful and sink! We have two options: Keep your mind on the purposes, praise and potential in Jesus and rise above the fear or succumb to the destructive emotion of our fears and sink under them. Which are you doing? When you start sinking reach out to Jesus like Peter did. The best part is that Jesus reached out to Peter first! He didn’t turn His back on Peter because Peter failed. He didn’t leave him to struggle alone. He immediately forgave Peter and helped him back up. He’ll do the same with you and me as well!
Why is it that Jesus expects us to do the impossible? He calls us to do what we can’t do in our own strength – like telling Peter to walk on water! Why didn’t He just stop the storm? Or come over to the boat Himself? Either would have been easy for Him. Walking on the water was impossible for Peter! Jesus calls us to do the impossible – because He knows if we can do it by ourselves, we will. It’s only when we need His help that we turn to Him. To the extent we can do something ourselves, we will!
When Peter got out of the boat and walked towards Jesus, Peter was leaving his place of security to take a risk into the unknown. The boat was going down, but as a fisherman it was familiar place. Even though it wasn’t safe at the moment, it still was hard to crawl out. That is what Jesus wanted him to do. Before Peter could reach Jesus’ side, he had to leave his place of safety. The same is true of us. We have to leave the walls of comfort and security we build around ourselves and step out in faith to come closer to Him. Jesus didn’t come to Peter in the boat. He challenged Peter to leave and come to Him. The challenge for us is the same. Even though our hope and security in material things and people may not be working it still can be unsettling to leave it for the unknown. Our only true sanctuary is in Jesus.
Leave your poor substitute. It’s sinking anyway! Get out of the boat and reach out to Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
Copyright © 2020
I have written books for pastors and they are yours for free. They are in English and Telugu. You can download them at https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/our-ministries/india/books/ Or you can email me and tell me which books in which language you want. I will email a PDF of them to you. Or you can pick up printed copies in Hyderabad. Contact Pastor Moses at 9866543468 and make arrangements with him. These are the books:
“Bible Overview”
“Biblical Prophecy”
“Duties of Pastors & Leaders”
“Leadership Lessons From the Bible”
“Marriage & Ministry”
“Preaching and Teaching God’s Word”
“Spiritual Growth & Discipleship”
“Spiritual Warfare”
“Studying God’s Word”
“What God Expects of Churches”
“What God Expects of Pastors”
“Why We Believe: Apologetics”