Life is risky … when it’s time to step out of the boat.
The storm was fierce. Even Jesus’ disciples—all experienced sailors—were scared. Storms on Galilee come quickly. That night the sea was at its worst. The disciples’ boat was tossed like a toy. While they bailed and prayed, Jesus came in on the storm, strolling in the rain, walking on the water.
Peter wanted to join Jesus. “Come on in, the water’s fine,” Jesus essentially said. Peter did, but the others stayed in the boat, preferring their comfort zone. While eleven stayed put, one took a risk of faith.
I wonder if I’m often like the eleven. Trusting enough to step out of the boat is frightening. We worry others will think we’re foolish to step out into the storm. They’ll judge us at any leap of faith: going back to school at an older age, beginning a new business in a hard-pressed economy, following our dreams.
Sometimes we settle for the storms we know rather than trust the new thing God wants to do. At other times, our routines and habits make us feel secure. In the comfort zone, we do what is simple and effortless. We never take a chance. We never run a risk.
Don’t be afraid of stepping out of the boat. When Jesus invites you to join what He is doing, trust instead of hesitate. Make the leap of faith.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Rick Qualls is pastor of First Baptist Church, Chanute, Kansas. He has been a full-time pastor for forty years, thirty years in Chanute. Rick and his wife Nancy have three grown children and five grandchildren. He is convinced being a “Gampa” is the best job in the world. RIck’s weekly newspaper column, Along The Way, has been in the local newspaper, The Chanute Tribune, for seven years. If not attending pastoral duties, you may find Rick cruising Main Street in his 1966 Mustang.