Will You Stay in The Boat or Get Out

“Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
Matthew 14:24-26 MSG
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In today’s Scripture from Matthew 14, it’s been a very long and demanding day for the disciples and Jesus. They’ve been helping Jesus with His preaching, teaching and finally feeding as many as 15,000 men, women and children. 

Once all the ministry was accomplished Jesus told his disciples to get in the boat and go across the sea of Galilee to the other side. 

He would send the multitude home and go up into the hills, to be alone, and pray into the night.

“Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
Matthew 14:24-26 MSG

What a mess these 12 disciples found them selves in! After that incredible day of ministry, here they are in the early morning hours, in the middle of a terrible storm.

I’m sure they were worn out and obviously scared out of their minds!

Matthew‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭from the Complete English Version says “They were terrified and started screaming.”

That was a bad scene! Things didn’t look good!
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But here comes Jesus and He was quick to comfort them. He wasn’t going to leave them in that condition. Nor will He leave you in that condition as well!

“Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:24-30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I hadn’t really thought much about this before today, but as I’ve been looking at this Scripture, I see how the voice and words of the Master produced a perfect calm in Peter.

I mean he went from being terrified and screaming, to being perfectly calm. Stepping out of the boat and walking on upon those wind whipped, thrashing waves.

How could that happen? How can a person go from being terrified and screaming to being at peace?

Well Peter took to heart what Jesus said and I think that's a wonderful word of instruction for you and I today!

“Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Those words from the Master had a tremendous affect on Peter. 

All fear left him and faith came!

Peter was always very bold and sometimes very presumptuous. Sometimes he was right and sometimes he was wrong! 

But I like that about him, he was willing to step out even if he might be making a mistake.

Think about this! There were 11 other disciples in that boat. But Peter was the only one, that could muster up the courage to ask Jesus if he could join Him on the water.

Peter was willing to take a step of faith, glory to God!

He wanted to be where Jesus was!

Yes he would take his eyes off the Lord at a point during his walk on the water. And yes he would start the sink because of that, but he got out of the boat!

​There will be many occasions in our life where we will have to decide whether we stay in the boat or get out. Whether we are willing to risk the criticism of others or the possibility of failing.

Be very strong and very courageous God told Joshua (Joshua 1) and that’s exactly the way we should live our Christian lives!

So let's get out of the boat today!