Skip to main content

GET OUT OF THE BOAT

"And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit: and they cried out for fear.
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I: be not afraid.
And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
And he said, Come, And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried, saying Lord, save me.
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
-St. Matthew 14:25-31


How many times have you heard Peter criticized in Sunday School for having a lack of faith? I've heard it countless times. I'm pretty sure I've done it myself.

But three years ago I attended an "empowering women" type seminar at the university where a remarkable woman (a woman who, might I add, completely lost her vision at the age of sixteen) praised Peter. She shared how PETER WAS THE ONLY DISCIPLE TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT TO GO TO JESUS.

Did he falter? Sure. But as he was falling he cried to Jesus for help. And the speaker encouraged us to do the same--get out of the boat, follow Jesus, ask for his help when you're struggling on your journey to him. Some people take Jesus' response as a reprimand (I certainly used to), and perhaps it is. But I like to think of it as Jesus saying, "Peter, don't doubt me. I'm here to help you. I will always be your faithful friend, brother, Redeemer."

I have pondered upon that beautiful perspective so incredibly often since that seminar, and I feel bad for how often we dwell upon the imperfections of other individuals. I believe that most people (not all, most) are genuinely good people. I'm surrounded by dozens of friends and family members seeking Jesus, and they flub up sometimes. I flub up all the time. But what matters is that we're trying to follow his example, and that we can repent, look back to Him, and have His help to get up out of the water and walk in faith again.

Peter, thanks for getting out of the boat. You're a great example to me. I'm trying to do the same.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Problem with Chick Flicks.

I really, really, really enjoy a select few movies that I willingly watch over and over again. Pride and Prejudice is one of them. You see, Elizabeth's defense of her family, her sense of self respect, her ability to admit that she was wrong and to appreciate Darcy despite all his quirks, and quizzical brow-ness... it's marvelous. My husband doesn't share the sentiment, could you tell? ... and that's okay. There's rare a chick flick I enjoy near as much as I enjoy Pride and Prejudice or A Walk To Remember , and I wanted to explain why. You see, there's more than just a few problems with (many, not all) chick flicks:  (and if you have a chick flick that escapes many of these pitfalls then please oh please leave it's title in the comment section!) The heroine (or suitor) is less than honorable. I have a hard time rooting for a girl to get a gentleman when she's spending her time being scandalously loose with other men ( #thenotebook) . An...
10 comments
Read more

Where's Number Three

A neighbor in her mid-thirties. A woman in her seventies. Their single commonality? They both asked me: Where's number three? I have a son, his name Charlie And then McKay, he's not quite three In my heart, both fit perfectly Yet others ask: Where's number three? Perhaps it's that I miscarried, My spouse's infidelity, The ache of infertility, A battle raging mentally, Illness on a crippling spree, Our family is complete, maybe. The reason's one or more of these, Yet you dare ask: Where's number three? In this question, running free Are judgements, jeering icily "You're not enough, Mik, can't you see? Buck up and give us number three!" I used to flounder, squirm, agree Or curl up small, cry, and plead. With time, I've seen things differently. I won't explain for number three. The questions of maternity Are just between my spouse and me And Parents, guiding Heavenly So please don't ask: Where's number three? Artwork Credit: Be...
4 comments
Read more

A Year and 10 Days Ago

Dear Friends, Family, Acquaintances, and you lovely random passerby of the Blogosphere-- A year and 10 days ago I set out on a journey to write a blog post a day, for two months straight. I did that successfully, and then decided to extend my challenge to a one-year challenge. My report? I wrote 317 blog posts in a 365-day period. And I think that's pretty rad. A few reflections on this experience: Firstly, I started this blog not just because I love writing, but because I needed help. I was suffering from some intense postpartum anxiety, but I didn't know that's what it was at the time. Every moment of every day I felt like I was under severe stress and pressure, even when there were no evident triggers for such. The feeling in my gut on an almost constant basis felt like the queasy stomach, racing heartbeat, and unsettled mind that greeted me before every math test and job interview I've had growing up. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know how...
8 comments
Read more