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.