Monthly Thought

March 2006

I'm reading a book at the moment called 'If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat' by John Ortberg. I'm only in the first chapter, but I'm finding it interesting and challenging. Basically, it's looking at Peter walking on the water from a different angle. We tend to look on it as one of Jesus' many miracles, performed to show his true identity; and that is what it does. But what was happening in Peter's mind at the point that he climbed over the edge of the boat? What was his motivation? The book suggests that it was at that moment, when he decided to step out of the boat, that Peter really understood what was happening. The LORD was walking by. At that moment Peter, overcome by the revelation of who Jesus was and what he was experiencing, had the courage to let go. He let go of his life and completely gave it over to the LORD, allowing himself to be subjected to the power and mercy of the LORD. What happened when Peter put his foot on the water and took his first step was entirely out of his control, and yet he had the courage to step out, into the unknown.

It is this that has so far been the biggest challenge to me, and if I'm honest, I'm struggling to move forward in the book, as I'm still trying to work this one out. Peter stepped out of his comfort zone, away from what was familiar, and gave up all control to the LORD. He had no guarantee that a miracle would be performed; that he would be able to walk on the water, and yet he stepped out in faith. In doing so, his relationship with Jesus grew far deeper than he could have imagined, because he had shown complete faith.

I have to turn those thoughts to myself. Do I really know what it means to completely trust God? Have I ever really stepped out in faith, into something that gives no guarantee of success aside from the call of the LORD? What stops me from stepping out of the boat? Or put another way; what stops me from stepping out of my comfort zone? Am I missing a depth in my relationship with God that will only come when I really learn what it means to give all of my life to Him? Have I really learnt to trust Him in all things, or do I still hold on to bits of my life that either I'm not willing to give up just yet, or I'm not willing to trust Him with?

What's your boat? What is your security and comfort? When will you give up that security to the one who can walk on water, and learn to trust Him in all you do?

If you have any questions, do email me jen09782@yahoo.co.uk

Jenni Douglas