If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

1. Embrace the call to water-walk: Step out in faith

If you want to walk on the water, you've got to get out of the boat.

Take risks for God. Water-walking represents stepping out in faith to follow God's calling, even when it seems impossible or frightening. It involves leaving our comfort zones and embracing the adventure of trusting God. This could mean:

• Starting a new ministry or business venture
• Confronting a difficult relationship or situation
• Using your spiritual gifts in a new way
• Sharing your faith with others

Water-walking requires both courage and discernment. It's not about reckless behavior, but about responding to God's invitation to join Him in His work. When we step out in faith, we experience God's power and presence in new ways, growing our trust and expanding our vision of what's possible with God.

2. Discern between faith and foolishness

Peter blurted out to the water-walker, "If it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Why does Matthew include this detail?

Seek God's guidance. Not every impulse or idea is a call from God. We must learn to discern between authentic calls from God and our own rash impulses. This involves:

• Praying for wisdom and clarity
• Seeking counsel from mature believers
• Evaluating if the action aligns with Scripture and God's character
• Considering the potential impact on others

Discernment requires patience and humility. It's about aligning our will with God's, not just pursuing our own desires under the guise of faith. As we grow in discernment, we become more attuned to God's voice and better equipped to respond to His genuine calls.

3. Confront fear to grow and fulfill your potential

Fear is the number one reason human beings are tempted to avoid doing what God asks them to do.

Face your fears. Fear is often the biggest obstacle to fulfilling our potential and following God's call. It can paralyze us and keep us from experiencing God's best for our lives. Confronting fear involves:

• Identifying specific fears holding you back
• Challenging irrational thoughts with truth
• Taking small steps of faith to build confidence
• Remembering God's presence and promises

Types of fear that hinder us:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of the unknown
• Fear of inadequacy

By confronting our fears, we open ourselves to growth and new possibilities. We discover that God's power is greater than our fears, and we become more effective in serving Him and others.

4. Learn from failure and persist in your calling

Failure does not shape you; the way you respond to failure shapes you.

Embrace growth through failure. Failure is an inevitable part of the water-walking journey, but it doesn't have to be the end of the story. How we respond to failure determines our growth and future success. To learn from failure:

• Reflect on what went wrong and why
• Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement
• Seek feedback from others
• Adjust your approach and try again

Benefits of embracing failure:

• Increased resilience
• Greater wisdom and experience
• Deeper dependence on God
• Expanded capacity for empathy

Persistence in the face of failure is crucial. Many biblical figures experienced setbacks but continued to trust God and pursue their calling. By viewing failure as a teacher rather than a final verdict, we can grow in faith and effectiveness.

5. Stay focused on Jesus amidst life's storms

When we become more focused on the overwhelming nature of the storm than the overwhelming presence of God, we are in trouble.

Maintain spiritual focus. Life's challenges can easily distract us from God's presence and power. Staying focused on Jesus involves intentionally directing our attention to Him, especially during difficult times. Practices that help maintain focus include:

• Regular prayer and meditation on Scripture
• Practicing gratitude and praise
• Surrounding yourself with encouraging believers
• Limiting exposure to negative influences

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can experience peace and power even in the midst of life's storms. This focus allows us to continue "water-walking" when circumstances would otherwise cause us to sink.

6. Cultivate patience while waiting on God's timing

Waiting is our destiny as creatures who cannot by themselves bring about what they hope for.

Develop spiritual patience. Waiting is an integral part of the faith journey, often challenging but essential for spiritual growth. God's timing is not always aligned with our desires, but it is always perfect. To cultivate patience:

• Trust in God's wisdom and goodness
• Use waiting periods for self-reflection and growth
• Engage in productive activities while waiting
• Look for lessons and blessings in the waiting process

Biblical examples of waiting:

• Abraham waiting for a son
• Joseph waiting in prison
• David waiting to become king

Patience allows us to align ourselves with God's plan and timing. It builds character, deepens our faith, and prepares us for the fulfillment of God's promises in our lives.

7. Expand your view of God through worship and trust

I believe that the way we live is a consequence of the size of our God.

Cultivate awe and trust. Our perception of God's nature and character profoundly impacts how we live. A limited view of God leads to limited faith and obedience. To expand our view of God:

• Engage in regular, meaningful worship
• Study God's attributes in Scripture
• Reflect on God's work in your life and in history
• Share testimonies of God's faithfulness with others

Areas impacted by our view of God:

• How we handle challenges
• Our willingness to take risks for God
• Our generosity and compassion
• Our peace and joy in difficult circumstances

As we grow in our understanding and experience of God's greatness, we become more confident in His ability to work through us. This expanded view of God empowers us to live with greater faith, courage, and impact.

Last updated: August 26, 2024