Getting Out of the Boat? Just the Beginning

Right away, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and start back across the lake. But he stayed until he had sent the crowds away. 23 Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.

24 By this time the boat was a long way from the shore. It was going against the wind and was being tossed around by the waves. 25 A little while before morning, Jesus came walking on the water toward his disciples. 26 When they saw him, they thought he was a ghost. They were terrified and started screaming.

27 At once, Jesus said to them, “Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid.”

28 Peter replied, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come on!” Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.          Matthew 14:22-29 (CEV)

As I began writing this, I felt like I was up on that mountain with Jesus where it was just the two of us in the quiet. I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay in that peace. I bet Jesus had some times with the Father like that. He knew the importance of that quiet time. But the quiet time was a time of refreshment and renewal that led Him back down the mountain, back to the mission.

Jesus comes to me in the middle of my life to call me to the mission He has for me. I may feel like I have all I can handle to just survive the here and now. I have family. I have a job. I have bills to pay in an economy that is less friendly every day. And in the middle of all that, here comes Jesus and I know He wants me to get out of the familiar boat where I am and walk with Him.

Walking with Jesus is just the beginning. I noticed that the gospel does not say that when Peter got out of the boat and began walking on the water that the sea became calm. The wind and waves continued. Peter not only got out of a boat at night when visibility was next to nothing but he also walked on a sea that was stormy.

As I committed my life to Jesus, the path with Him did not become a road paved with nice flat cement and marked with beautiful flowers to keep me walking right down the middle. I study my Bible, pray every day and talk with Jesus throughout the day and still the road is rough with hidden potholes of pain and unexpected boulders of financial difficulties. And surely when I take my eyes off of Jesus, I begin to sink just as Peter did.

But Jesus is right there with His hand out to grab my hand, lift me up to regain my footing and continue my walk with him – through the storm. It was when Jesus and Peter returned to the boat with the rest of the disciples that the storm died out. Is that what happens when I come together with other believers in worship? When I join others who are also seeking shelter in Jesus in the midst of a storm and know “Truly You are the Son of God!” then the storm dies and the peace of God reigns.

And so I have had my quiet time with Jesus. It’s time to get out of the boat! Hold my hand, Jesus. I’m counting on You to not let go.

You Are in Control written by Stan Moore and Lindell Cooley