Leaving our comfort zones...

"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
~ Matthew 14:29

Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water is recorded in three of the Gospels. In exegetical terms, that's a very real account of something happening.

When there has been an accident, the investigating officer will gather all the witnesses to get a better understanding of what happened by gathering each eye-witness account. It helps to build the case through each person's sharing.

This story being shared in three Gospels confirms that something did happen.

I have to admit, I wouldn't mind watching someone walk on water, I'm unsure if I would want to be that person.

It's not that I don't have faith, what I know I do possess is doubt and fear. (I am actually afraid to dive into water that I can't see the bottom!)

I don't believe that God would allow me to drown. And for the sake of the Gospel, I believe God would reach out and pull me from the dark seas, just as Jesus did with Peter.

It's the whole idea of the process.

Each day we are challenged to step out of our comfort zones. Each day we are given the opportunity to experience the voice of God, calling us to "Come."

God's call to us is not always to step out onto the water. It may be to stop and assist a stranger. Perhaps to strike up a conversation with someone you sit near on the bus. Or to sign up to assist your community. There are many ways we can step outside the boat.

Finding courage is half the struggle. What was it within Peter that made him take that first step? Keeping focused when we have been called can be challenging enough. Accepting that call can make a difference, not just in your life, but the lives of others as well.

Stay in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2018