We are called to live extraordinary lives, but for that to happen, we have to get out of the boat and step out of our comfort zone into those uncharted waters. Jesus is waiting to meet you, and He will be with you every step of the way!
The scriptures that speak of this can be found in Matthew. It is the account of when Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:26-31). When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the lake, they were horrified.
“It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said, “Take courage. It is I; don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it is You,” replied Peter, “tell me to come to You on the water.”
“Come,” He said.
Then Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
As soon as Jesus said, “Come,” Peter stepped out of the boat! And it wasn’t until he took his eyes off Jesus and his focus got broken that fear of the circumstances took hold—fear of failure. He started to see the waves crashing all around him, and that’s when he began to sink.
But when his eyes were focused on Jesus, he walked on water! He did something he could have never done without Jesus.
The good news is, even when his faith failed him and he started to sink, as soon as Peter cried out to Jesus, His hand was there to lift him up!
And Jesus’s words to Peter: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Jesus is saying the same thing to us. He will be there with us through every storm, through every circumstance, and through anything He calls us to do. Just keep our eyes on Him, get out of the boat, and put all our trust in Him.
In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me.”
Jesus will call us to places we would never go without Him. He will ask us to step out of our comfort zones to places where we need to rely on Him, where we need to have faith, where we need to trust Him.
It’s our choice. We can stay in the boat, comfortable doing what we’ve always done, or when we hear Jesus say, “Come,” we can step out of the boat and into those uncharted waters with our eyes on Jesus every step of the way.
We are called to live extraordinary lives, but in order to do that, we have to get out of the boat.
Your boat is whatever represents safety and security to you—doing what you have always done. But when Jesus says, “Come,” He will bring you to places you’ve never been before. And the good news is, He will be with you every step of the way.
He could be calling you to step out and serve in a new area of ministry, and many times it will take you out of your comfort zone. Fear of failure can keep you from stepping out, or a lack of confidence will hold you back. It could even be a time restriction. Sometimes we have to let go of certain activities to make room for all that God has for us.
He could be calling you to start attending church on a Sunday morning—something that has not been a part of your life before. But when you take that step, you will find your faith will soar, and you will experience a peace and joy that comes from a life deeply connected to God.
He could be calling you to step out and try a new job, leaving one you are so comfortable in, because He has something more fulfilling for you to do. It takes courage to make that kind of change.
He could be calling you to step out and make a commitment in a personal relationship you are in. It’s stepping out of your comfort zone, and you may be afraid of the unknown.
Remember what Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”
So, I want to encourage you today to “Step out of the Boat.” Jesus is saying, “Come.” He will meet you and lead you into a life filled with faith, hope, love, and purpose!!!