Thinking outside the...boat

     Well...I'm still thinking about being near Jesus when the going is difficult...and I'm still thinking about that situation in Matthew 14 where Jesus sent the disciples out across the lake.
     Now I'm thinking about the part where Peter wanted to walk to Jesus.  It's fascinating to me.  Not just that Peter walked on water, but that he even asked!  How many times have I been in a situation that was difficult, and thought about taking a step that would make it downright impossible?  Are we too often like the rest of the guys in boat; just struggling to get the job at hand done?
     Here are a couple lessons I draw from Peter's faith:
  • His faith was so focused on Jesus (the one who could do anything) that it allowed for dreaming.  Who says that?  Who gets into the middle of a very difficult task; watches while everyone else around them is scared, and looks for a way to make things harder?  Peter did.  His trust was in the one who could calm the storm and raise the dead.  How hard could walking on water be?
  • His faith demonstrated obedience.  He asked for Jesus to invite him onto the lake.  We often label Peter as impetuous here, but he asked Jesus to command him to come before he clambered over the side of the wave-tossed boat.  Once Jesus invited him out, however; he jumped.
  • His faith suffered from distraction.  Here's where we usually chide Peter.  "He got his eyes off of Jesus and sunk!"  That's true, and Jesus even asked him why he doubted.  I'm really encouraged though, that Peter got all the way to Jesus before he allowed himself to get distracted.  It's such a good reminder to me that we need to keep our gaze on the Lord if we want to see him to those amazing things that we read about in other peoples' lives.
  • His faith provided a great lesson for others.  Even Peter's sinking provided Jesus a chance to show himself strong.  Once they got in the boat; the wind and waves died down and the group of guys worshipped.  It's not recorded that anybody said anything to Peter.  All the attention was on Jesus; right where it should have been.
     Is it hard rowing where you are right now?  Instead of keeping at it and sticking at the same task; trying to just make it work, try getting your attention onto Jesus.  He's probably just beyond that breaker over there.  Ask him to give you something greater to do that will allow you to be closer to him.  Will you sink as you obey?  Maybe; maybe not.  But that's not the point.  The point isn't whether you are successful, but whether you are willing to risk all for your master.  Step out; start walking; keep your eyes on him.  Then watch as he gets glory to himself.

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