When I learned to sail, I had to walk along a very unsteady floating platform to reach the little boats in which we had our lessons. I hated it. I dont have a good sense of balance and was terrified of falling between the platform and the boat as I attempted to get in. I nearly gave up. Fix your eyes on me, said the instructor. Im here, and Ill catch you if you slip. I did what he said, and I am now the proud possessor of a basic sailing proficiency certificate!
Do you avoid taking risks at all costs? Many of us are reluctant to step out of our comfort zones in case we fail, get hurt, or look stupid. But if we allow that fear to bind us, well end up afraid to do anything.
The story of Peters water-walking adventure and why it supposedly failed is a popular choice for preachers (Matt. 14:22-33). But I dont think Ive ever heard any of them discuss the behavior of the rest of the disciples. In my opinion, Peter was a success. He felt the fear but responded to the call of Jesus anyway. Maybe it was those who never tried at all who failed.
Jesus risked everything for us. What are we prepared to risk for Him?
INSIGHT
:The Sea of Galilee is partially ringed with a series of hills and valleys, which makes it vulnerable to sudden storms. With little warning, winds can whip through these ravines in such a way that they lash the waters of the Galilee quite violently, causing what might otherwise be a typical storm to be deadly and threatening to anyone on the water. This could explain why seasoned fishermen who made their living on the Sea of Galilee could be periodically caught in potentially life-threatening storms.
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