Out of the Boat

[Jesus] said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. –Matthew 14:29

This is one of my very favorite Bible stories.  At Holy Cross, we have often talked about “getting out of the boat” – trying something new and maybe a little scary.  I’ve learned how to do that through the years though sometimes I’m better at it than others.  But I LOVE watching others “get out of the boat”… especially for the first time.  It changes them.  It is one of the most powerful ways Jesus has of working in us. 

It’s true that you can’t walk on water unless you get out of the boat.  It is our own decision to get out of the boat.  Jesus can’t make us do that.  We have to be willing to do it on our own.  We are the ones that have to trust Jesus.  But we certainly can’t depend on ourselves for the miracle of the actual walking on the water.  That is Jesus’ work.  Without his help, we will certainly drown.  But we can depend on Jesus to keep us steady.  All we need do is keep our eyes on him and have faith.

Lord Jesus,
Give us courage to step out of our comfortable boats and really walk on water with you.  I give you thanks for all of those times we do and we see that you will do amazing things through us.  Amen

Joys:  Wildflowers; excitement of a new baby coming into the world; listening to music