Comfort zones are aptly named because they create a psychological state that provides freedom from stress and anxiety. If we are to experience significant growth however, then we must step outside of our comfort zone. The Apostle Peter experienced both exhilaration and fear as he stepped out of his comfort zone.

Jesus had sent the disciples across the sea of Galilee while He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. The disciples were being battered by the wind and the waves when they saw a figure walking on the sea. Perhaps the disciples may have been frustrated with Jesus for sending them out in this adverse weather and then they were frightened by this unusual occurrence.

We too will encounter storms in our lives. We may experience a storm of correction, the prophet Jonah encountered this type of storm. There are also storms of perfection that God allows to strengthen us. Adversity per se may not strengthen us, but the way we respond to adversity can draw us closer to God. The disciples were terrified, and cried out in fear thinking it was an apparition. Jesus saw their fear and identified Himself:

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

The phrase take courage is an imperative and it implies having confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or testing. Peter’s confidence in and allegiance to his Lord led him to make a bold request:

Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:28)

Jesus then gave Peter a gracious invitation:

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:29)

Do we realize that God’s commandment is our enablement? As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus and believed Him, he was able to walk on the water. When he looked at his circumstances however, he became frightened and began to sink. Peter desperately cried out to the Lord and Jesus graciously responded to his plea:

Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)

Let us not criticize Peter for doubting, he’s the only one who got out of the boat. Peter experienced something the other disciples did not – the opportunity to walk on water. God wants to take us to places that we’ve never been, but it won’t happen if we stay in the boat. How many times does Jesus say to us, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Peter discovered that if you want to walk on water, then you’ve got to get out of the boat. That’s a lesson that we too must learn.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark