In preparation for the biggest pageant that I participated in, I competed in a smaller one and made it all the way to the final question. That dreaded final question. How nerve-racking. As I pulled the question out of the bag, I told myself, "Just don't say 'world peace' and you'll be fine." The question was read, and I cracked a joke to give me time to think. I really don't remember what my answer was, but I did avoid world peace, and ended up landing a first runner up position. Neat. (But also, NEVER AGAIN lol.)
Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. [23] After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. [24] Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. [25] About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. [26] When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" [27] But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" [28] Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." [29] "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. [31] Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" [32] When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. [33] Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
1. If you want to walk on water, you need to to step out of the boat.
I was challenged by a message a couple of years ago to step out of my comfort zone, in order to realize Christ's power. I was asked to completely step out of my element, and show a vulnerable side of me that would make me feel incredibly nervous and put me in a place I know I would otherwise choose to be out of. And yet, through it, I was able to impact others' lives and to see the fruit of His efforts. And years earlier it would never have dawned on me to enter beauty pageants, but I was able to fulfill my goal of raising the money for a children's charity... Peter was called to step out of the safety of the boat in order to walk on water. For some people this means going on international missions, for others it means changing the style in which you serve. Make yourself vulnerable if you want to see real Strength.
2. When we are discouraged, our true nature shines through.
Someone once blurted out something extremely offensive and insulting to me during an argument, and although the sentence was later retracted, I felt like I had seen what was truly in this person's heart. When Peter was walking on water and saw the waves crashing around him, he freaked out and started sinking. It is in our times of despair that our faith (or lack thereof) can reveal itself. When we are caught in a moment of nervousness, needing to provide an answer to a final question within 30 seconds in a beauty pageant, we often reveal what is really within our minds, what we really think or how shallow we really are. (World peace lol) When the storm is raging, when you are put into a tough situation, what will people see when the real you is shown?
3. Jesus saves.
Despite all of this, Jesus saves. And it is in that moment of salvation that sometimes we come to that realization that He really IS the Son of God, and we can only worship Him as the winds around us calm.
The challenge: In a moment of despair, what is your natural response? Are you stuck in a place of comfort? Step out of the boat! Be not afraid of sinking, for Jesus saves.
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