Get out of the Boat

Stagnation…. unrealized potential, unfulfilled longings… it’s a sense of, “I’m not really living my life, but surviving my life”. It is defined as the lack of activity, growth, or development. It leads to boredom…. which leads to apathy (lack of interest or enthusiasm).

Are you in a place of STAGNATION?? A place where your gifts and talents aren’t being realized? Do you lay in bed at night and let the gripping thoughts of unfulfilled plans and desires pummel your thoughts??

Let’s take a look at a familiar passage of scripture…. Matthew 14:22-34 when Jesus walks on the water. Now, most people see this as a passage of ANOTHER ONE of Peter’s complete failures, but let’s take a look at it from another angle. The passage explains that Peter AND THE REST OF THE DISCIPLES were in the boat crossing over to the land of Gennesaret where a storm rose up and tossed the boat. We pick up in verse 27, “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And PETER (Notice ONLY Peter) answered Him and said, ” Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water”. So He said, “Come.” Don’t you find it interesting that it was ONLY Peter that was willing to take the risk? That Peter was so passionate for His Lord that he threw caution to the wind and GOT OUT OF THE BOAT….while the others stood by and watched?

Peter reminds me a lot of King David. David was so relentlessly passionate. So, when he failed…. oooohhhh baby!… he really failed! But when he sought God and followed His God… my, my, my, the Spirit of God was undeniable!!!! That is how I see Peter… such a passionate disciple of Christ! When he stumbled and fell he really stumbled, but when he followed His God…. how dynamic he was for the Kingdom of God!!!

So ask yourself this.”Do I want to be a “Peter” that takes the risks and gets out of the boat or do I want to be a sideliner (the other disciples) that want to keep it safe and comfortable and watch all the amazing things God is doing around them? Do I want to be unfulfilled and never reach my potential? Do I want to just quit growing, and become apathetic towards the heart of God?

I, myself, choose to be a Peter… a passionate risk taker…. and even if I fail, even if I stumble, even if I lack faith… Jesus will reach down and catch me!!!

What do you choose… Peter or a sideliner?

GET OUT OF THE BOAT THAT IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND YOUR DESTINY!!!