Stepping Out Of The Boat

We really like it when life is easy and everything seems to be going well for us.  We like our set routines.  We like the predictability that we have arranged for ourselves.  We get up in the morning at the same time.  We go to the same job at the same time.  We go home after work and watch our favorite shows on the television.  We have formed a well worn rut and we like it.  When someone or something tries to get us out of our comfort zone we do not like and we make sure everybody knows we don't like it one bit.

The only thing we forget is that sometimes things change and sometimes we need to change.  It may not be easy.  It may hurt, but there are things that need to change in our lives if we are honest about it.  There will be times when the Lord calls us out of our "safe place" and we should obey His call because the end results will be well worth it.

Sometimes we like the little boat that we are in and we would rather stay in it.  I am reminded of the time when Peter was called out of the boat by Jesus on the Sea of Galilee which can be found in Matthew 14:22-32 which says,

"22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

References for Matthew 14:22

23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone,

References for Matthew 14:23

• Cross References

• 14 14:23 - S Luke 3:21

24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn 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.

References for Matthew 14:26

• Cross References

• 15 14:26 - Luke 24:37

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

References for Matthew 14:27

• Cross References

• 16 14:27 - Matthew 9:2 ; Acts 23:11
• 17 14:27 - Daniel 10:12 ; Matthew 17:7 ; Matthew 28:10 ; Luke 1:13,30 ; Luke 2:10 ; Acts 18:9 ; Acts 23:11 ; Revelation 1:17

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

29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward 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?”

References for Matthew 14:31

• Cross References

• 18 14:31 - S Matthew 6:30

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.”

Getting out of the boat isn't easy.  It takes faith and a focus on Jesus Christ.  There will be times when our faith flounders and we will begin to sink, but the Lord is ready to catch us when we call out to Him.

The Lord wants us to come to Him in prayer.  He wants us to read and study His Word so we can know Him better.  The Lord wants us to trust Him with our very lives.  The Lord calls us to live for Him and love others by telling them the Gospel.

When the Lord calls you our of Your comfort zone I pray that You will do as He says and trust everything to His care.  The Lord will prepare You to accomplish His will. 

Is the Lord calling You to step out of the boat that you are in?

If He is I urge you to take the first step with your focus on Jesus Christ and have faith that He will lead You and guide You to where He wants You.

Lord,

You call us out upon the stormy sea.

Sometimes our faith fails.

Help us to keep our faith in You.

Help our focus to be on You Lord.

Lead us and guide us.

In Jesus name,

Amen.