Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)
Peter was going about his ordinary business. He was on a boat with friends in a storm. He noticed Jesus walking toward the boat and asked Jesus to confirm his identity. When Jesus gave him guidance to step out of the boat, Peter did.
Each of us arrives at a point in our lives when God calls us to step out of the boat. There is something He wants us to do that may seem out of the ordinary to us. It could be sending an email about a job we don’t think we are qualified for. It could be going back to school to continue along our career path or start a new one. It could even be expanding our family by becoming a foster parent or adopting children. It’s time to step out of the boat and obey God.
Prayer: God, I choose to step out of the boat. Show me what you want me to do and I will follow. Give me the faith to follow through. In Jesus’ name. Amen