Leaving the Boat for the Water

When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. Matthew 14:26-32 (New American Standard Bible)

Rather than in clear sailing with sunny skies, it is during a storm in the night that Peter asked Jesus to call him out of the safety of his boat to come to Him on the water. Not calm water but rather choppy waves. Jesus calls. Peter comes. As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus and moved toward Him he was fine. Once his eyes spotted the turbulence of his surroundings he began to sink. His next move is what captures my attention this morning. He didn’t start swimming for the boat he left but rather he cried out to Jesus. “Save me” was the extent of his prayer. Jesus’ response was immediate. They returned to the boat, a word about doubting was given, and the wind ceased. All was well once again…..until the next trial, trouble, or tribulation.

So like my life. Moments of anticipated adventure and desire for freedom can cause me to make radical moves in my Christian life. So much wanting to “walk on the water” with Jesus and so ready to “leave the boat” I have been securely riding in. He calls, I come, and then the same scenario plays out. The storms of life hit. The uncertainty of my steps grows. The questions of whether or not I can actually continue to stay afloat abound. For too many years, I swam back to the boat. Back to what felt safe. Back to what I use to depend upon. I had never quite made it to the place of voicing Peter’s prayer. Of crying out to Jesus. Of seeking the safety of His arms. I always turned back to the boat. Back to what I knew. Back to what was familiar.

Last week was another trip outside the boat. At the time, no storm was raging. Just a desire to be free of needing others to help me, hold me, and heal me. Just a desire to make Jesus my Source and the center of my life. Just a desire to have the kind of relationship with Him that I saw in others and wanted for myself. Each day the waters have had ripples and the waves have begun to splash. They are bigger today than they were last week at this time. The difference this time is that I am no longer looking back at the boat or desiring to return to what I am used to. This time I keep crying out to Jesus and His response is immediate and the walk continues.

Father, I need You. Settle my heart in the midst of what feels like approaching storms. I don’t want the safety of the boat. I want You. Amen.

The Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUtCV2tvmeA&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.