Craig Clouston

Reckless Abandon

Then Peter got down out of the boat,

Matthew 14:29

Bryce and Jennifer shared a difference of opinion. Jennifer felt Bryce’s thrill-seeking displayed a form of recklessness. Bryce felt Jennifer needed to learn to experience life once in awhile! “Honey, I don’t fault you for not wanting to skydive or rock climb, but hiking and camping in the back country is pretty docile.” He took her by the shoulders, “I promise to protect you at all times!” Raising his right hand, first three fingers erect, and holding his pinkie down by the thumb, Bryce said, “Scout’s honor!”

“You know how much I hate bugs!” she objected, as an involuntary shiver ran through her body.

Bryce drew her close, “I promise to squash every bug that attacks you!”

“What if I want to come home?” she challenged.

Softly, and with a twinkle in his eyes he answered, “Then home we’ll come.”

Two days later, as the sun settled over the western peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, Jennifer was resting on Bryce’s shoulder, enjoying herself more than she would ever have imagined, “Thanks for not giving up on me,” She confided. “Conquering my fears isn’t something I’m real big on.”

Pulling her closer, Bryce decided his response wasn’t necessary.

†

Conquering our fears isn’t at the top of most of our to-do lists either. Yet, when we look at today’s verse, most of us focus on Peter’s failure. Jesus didn’t. Instead, He simply asked him why he had suddenly doubted.

You see, He understood what it took for Peter to get out of the boat. The law of physics, as far as water-walking is concerned, is known to even the most novice fisherman. Yet with reckless abandon, Peter stepped onto supernatural ground.

Jesus calls with a purpose. He wants to set us free in the knowledge He will squash every bug, cast out every fear, and remove every doubt if we will recklessly abandon our lives to Him. What is it in your life, that when Jesus beckons, you fear to heed His call?

Faith isn’t faith until it’s hanging on to Someone other than itself.

“Prayer”

“I don’t know if I can do this, Lord. Give me the courage to abandon everything to You and take my hand as I take this leap of faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”