The First Thoughts

Matthew 14:25-33(NIV)

25 During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them : "Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid." 28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you out on the water." 29 "Come," he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith, " he said, "why did you doubt?" 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."


This is one of the main motivators for the interactions we will have together in the future.  Ortberg (2001) wrote a book entitled "If you want to walk on water, you've got to GET OUT OF THE BOAT".  This should sound familiar in our brief time together.

Imagine the courage, even if he faltered at times and sometimes significantly, of Peter.  Even though he became afraid and doubted.  Peter did something no one else did.  He took a risk.  He got out of the boat. 

Imagine the faith.  Even though he faltered and began to sink.  Rather than swim back to the boat where he could have huddled with the other disciples, Peter reached out to Jesus.  "Lord, save me!"

The challenge before us is this:

1. Read, decipher, and pray about God's word.
2. GET OUT OF THE BOAT (Take a risk for God, even if it seems so far from your comfort zone that it must be ridiculous)
3. When struggles come, AND THEY WILL COME, reach towards Jesus.  Lean on His wisdom, His understanding, and His grace.
4. Be willing to stay the course.

The reason you ask?

You can sit on the sidelines.  You can be safe.  You can be lukewarm.

OR

You can lead a life of challenges.  You can live a life of excitement.  You can make a difference for God.  You can reach those who haven't been reached.  You can love those who haven't been loved.  You can fulfill the plan that God has for you.

But before you can do any of that...you have to.........  

GET OUT OF THE BOAT!!!!