Reckless Abandon

Peter stepped out of the boat...

Matthew 14:22-32  22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

What an amazing example of complete faith. Reckless abandon, surrender.   Peter stepped out immediately after Christ called him.  Look at the whole passage. The disciples were afraid when they saw Christ. They asked Him to identify himself, and when He did, Peter obeyed.

Are you afraid of your environment?  Are you questioning your trust in God? Is Christ trying to reveal Himself to you and you fear Him? Often in the midst of the storm, we have the strongest urge to take control, hold onto the boat. That is the exact time when we are to step out toward Him. Don't fear Him when He reveals Himself.  Ask Him to identify Himself, He will if it is Him.  Remember your responsibility is to respond, obey Him. Give Him control and He will defy the rules of this world through His amazing power.