Outside the Boat
June 15
Come.
Matthew 14:29
Standing in water up to his chest, Shamar encouraged his young son to jump
into his arms. Standing along the edge at the deep end of the pool, Jamal was
having second thoughts. Looking down at the water, he was suddenly worried.
The shallow end was one thing; this was completely different! “I don’t know,
Daddy,” Jamal began. “It’s so deep. I’m afraid!”
“It’s okay, Jamal. To be afraid, I mean. I was scared the first time I jumped
off the end of the dock into your grandpa’s arms at the pond on his farm.
Grandpa understood my apprehension. He promised that he wouldn’t let any-
thing bad happen to me and that he would not let me drown. And I won’t let
anything bad happen either, buddy!” Shamar promised. “If you want to wait,
it’s okay. But I’m sure you can handle it. Just make up your mind to do it and
jump! Come on, Jamal. You can do it,” he encouraged.
You could see that Jamal had come to a decision. “Okay, Daddy. I trust you.
Here goes!” he hollered. And with that, Jamal launched himself off the side of
the pool and into a new level of faith.
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Faith is grown experientially. We all face difficult decisions. Our response will
be determined by our faith in Jesus. Peter is remembered more for sinking in
doubt than for the steps he took outside the boat. Yet he was the only disciple
with enough faith to try! He knew that when Jesus said, “Come,” things would
be okay. He didn’t think to ask how many steps Jesus would ensure. He didn’t
ask if his action would end in drowning. He simply stepped out of the boat.
Jesus is looking for those who would resolve in faith to discover how far
they can walk with Him outside the boat. It’s easy to remain faithful with
assurance all around. It’s another matter completely to take each step not
knowing where our foot will land. Jesus bids us, “Come.”
Prayer
“Sometimes I’m afraid, Papa. Help me answer Your
call with obedience built in faith. Cause my heart to
be strong in those moments of decision. Reach for me
as I step outside the boat. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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