“…Peter got…out of the boat, walked on the water…toward Jesus.” Matthew 14:29 (NIV)
Matthew records that, after being called, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Based on the above Scripture, today, I urge you to reflect on three questions based on your sense of safety:
- What’s my ‘boat’? It’s whatever gives you your greatest sense of security. It’s what you’re tempted to put your trust in when life gets stormy. To know what your boat is, ask yourself, “What is it that produces the most fear in me, especially when I think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith?”
- What’s keeping me from getting out of my boat? Fear? Fear of people? Fear of failure? Fear of criticism? Fear of lack? In order for us to grow, we must venture into new territory, and each time we do, we’ll experience fear. It never goes away. But each time you get out of your ‘boat,’ you become a little more comfortable doing it the next time, and you’ll begin to realise that fear doesn’t have the power to destroy you. So, when Jesus says to you, “Come,” start walking with your eyes fixed on Him; He won’t let you drown.
- What will I forfeit by staying in my boat? The answer is “Your destiny.” To achieve anything new, you must attempt what you have not yet attempted. Will there be risks? Yes. Scripture says, A just man falls, not just once, but as many as seven times. But he knows that if he doesn’t get back up and get in line, he’ll never experience that victory. (Proverbs 24:16).
Understand this: If you stay in your ‘boat,’ you’ll remain there, and end up wondering what your life might have been if only you’d been willing to get up and out of that boat. James writes, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial…” (James 1:12, NIV).
Are you thinking of quitting? If you ‘throw in the towel’ on your ministry, marriage, your career, or your dream, you may regret it for the rest of your life. Only by staying the course can God strengthen you and make you a winner. F. B. Meyer says, “You never test the resources of God until you attempt the impossible.” Quitting doesn’t build character; endurance does.
Nobody knew more about endurance than Jesus. He endured all the way to Calvary: when the whip tore His flesh, when they nailed Him to a cross, when His friends forsook Him, when bystanders mocked Him, when God turned His face away, and when the enemy rose up and celebrated. He endured. The Bible says, “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV). Remember, God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). So be intentional and maintain your plan to persevere. Trust Him for the strength to break through. When you’re intentional, you’ll find your quitting point isn’t as solid as you thought; prayers can break it.
Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 1:6-7
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 8:12-21; Luke 7:36-50; Numbers 26:12-65; Numbers 27:1-11