Encountering JesusSample

DISCOVER

We all like comfort and build our own comfort zones; our individual homes are our natural spaces of comfort. Some love their personal comfort spaces so much that they decide to limit their interactions and live “off the grid.” We all naturally avoid anything that disturbs us and may bring us pain, and we deeply yearn for security and look for safety nets, which is not all bad. But because of our sinful nature, we often obsess over these temporary things that are here today and gone tomorrow.

LEARN

Many of us are like the eleven disciples in the boat. Because of the ensuing storm around us and overwhelming fear, we are content with simply watching and hearing about the fruit that is grown out of the faith of other believers. Peter’s encounter with Jesus challenges us that in the middle of the storm, we can personally experience the magnificent contentment and the joyful fulfillment of being with Jesus.

APPLY

Just like Peter’s bidding, we ask, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He will simply reply with one word: “come.” Just like a parent stretches out their arms to their toddler learning to walk, Jesus calls us to take a risk and trust Him; to keep our eyes fixed on Him and step out of our boat. Like Peter, sometimes we will step out of the boat and be overcome by fear of the disaster surrounding us. We may even start to sink, but be assured, Jesus will be right there to catch you. You might stumble, but you will not drown. Just like the Psalmist said in Psalm 120:1, “I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me.”

We wonder if the next time Peter “stepped out of the boat,” he would do so more courageously and confidently. His faith and trust in Jesus may have been more significant than his previous experience. The same will be valid for us: the more steps of faith we take, the easier it gets. Once we see and experience God’s consistent faithfulness, it becomes easier to trust Him more and more. So, prayerfully consider, what boat Jesus is asking you to step out of today?