Take The First Step
The apostle Peter is often the target of criticism for his failure to keep his eyes on Jesus when Jesus called him to walk on the water, but at least he took the first step and got out of the boat.
Matthew 14:26-32 (ESV) 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." 28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
The first step in anything is often the hardest; fighting off the fear of failure, the paralyzation of over-analyzation, and stretching from the comfortable into the unknown. Peter probably went through all of the above, but following the command of his Lord superseded any attempt to hold him back. Granted he made a mistake and fell down, but Jesus tenderly reached out to him. Jesus even took the occasion to help him grow through his collapse and never treated him like a failure.
What’s holding you from stepping out of the boat in your life, particularly in things that God has shown you that it’s time to move? Are you held back by a fear of failure? Are you paralyzed by over analyzing the situation, or are you reluctant to move from the comfortable to the unknown?
When it comes to life, we all need wisdom in order to make the right decisions. God has promised wisdom but when He provides, He expects us to act.
James 1:5-8 (ESV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
As with Peter, Jesus gives us wisdom to take the first step, now.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
Bob is the pastor of Christ Community Presbyterian Church, Clearwater, Florida. See www.ccpconline.org for church information and listen to Bob’s latest sermons.
FCA Endurance – Clearwater – We have registered and are forming a Clearwater Huddle of the FCA Endurance team. We will be announcing a “start up meeting” in the coming month. Check my website for updates and/or send me an email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please pass the word to athletes in the Clearwater area. For information about FCA Endurance see www.fcaendurance.com .
