Matthew 14:22-33, NRSVUE
 ²⁶ But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” ²⁸ 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, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.

John Ortberg wrote a book titled, “If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.” This easy read is one of my many favorite books! Ortberg talks about the numerous walks found in the Bible, from Abraham’s journey with his son Isaac to Moriah, to Jesus’ walk to Calvary and later to Emmaus. For Ortberg, Peter’s walk on water is unforgettable. (Preface, p. 9).

My personal favorite part is when “³¹ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him…” I love the urgency with which Jesus acts when we are in trouble or in despair. There are moments when we lose hope, and we pray and call on Jesus, and it’s as if Jesus drops what he’s doing and inclines his ear to our call to rescue us from our own fears, doubts, and worries. Joy always comes in the morning, right?

Perhaps Peter saw Jesus walking on water and thought, “Wow! That’s cool! I want to try it! Lord, if it’s you, command me to come to you on the water!” Jesus says, “Come.” And Peter goes toward Jesus. Then the waves stir his courage, his ego is stricken, and fear takes over.

There have been times when I envision and dream of what the church can look like or what she will do next. Then I think about the many ways in which God can use me and others, and sometimes that’s scary. So scary that I can feel the waves, the wind, and the eyes of others on me, whether cheering me on or wondering if I will succumb to the waves of fear. Getting out of one’s comfort zone to try something risky or courageous is not for the faint of heart! Thankfully, Jesus immediately takes hold of us before we begin to go under. That to me is reassuring, refreshing, and renewing!

Ortberg states in his book that walking on water (heeding a call) has a pattern: there is always a call, there is always fear, there is always reassurance, there is always a decision, and there is always a changed life (p. 9).

Here are some questions to ponder:

• What is it in the life of the church here at Butler that you are feeling called to do and are afraid to step out of the boat? Join the choir, a mission team, Sunday School, leadership teams, fundraising, community events, stewardship, evangelism and discipleship, worship, visioning and strategizing, Loaves and Fishes, Gleaners, become a member?

• List your fears, worries, and concerns about the wind, the waves, and the depth of the waters. Would you rather be in the boat or walking toward Jesus?

• Will this storm be for a season, a year, two? How long before you say yes to the invitation to step out of the boat and trust the One who is calling you to a new life-giving transforming experience?

• Is this a call that requires two or more people, a group, a congregation, a community to watch from the boat or to step out of the boat?

• List the persons and resources (financial or otherwise) to turn to when facing a big wave and a strong wind.

• In what ways will lives be transformed, renewed, and reassured when you arrive at the boat and step in accompanied by Jesus?

Jesus calls us to step out of our comfort zone and have faith and trust in the One who never leaves us, who IMMEDIATELY holds on to us, and who CAN walk on water!

May the rest of your summer be a safe and restful one for you and yours!

In Christ,
Pastor Iraida