Step Out of Your Boat

I don’t know if this is common everywhere, but I’m sure I could go outside right not and not be able to count the number of cicada shells clinging to the brick, on the fence, or on the trees. Cicadas can have a long life span, during which they shed their skeleton many times. Most of the time, all we see are these shells, hardly ever seeing the live cicada; however, one day, Dennis and I had the rare opportunity to watch one trying to emerge from his skeleton. The cicada was struggling, like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. It was mostly out of its shell and we could see the vibrance of its new wings, although they appeared very frail. It looked almost as if it was clinging to the skeleton, afraid to venture into its new life.

In our own lives, we sometimes find ourselves holding fast to our past, afraid to let go and experience what a life with God has to offer. We cling to what we think is security, like a baby might embrace a favorite blanket or stuffed animal that brings them comfort. In the book of Matthew, we read about Jesus walking on water and Peter, as afraid as the other disciples in the boat, says to Him, “if it’s really you, tell me to come to You.” When He told Peter to come to Him, Peter stepped out of the boat and walked toward Jesus. That was a BOLD move! The boat provided security, a safety net, but Peter knew he’d missing the chance of a lifetime if he DIDN’T step out the boat. He trusted that Jesus wouldn’t ask him to do it if He was just going to let him drown.

Sometimes, we have to let our faith be stronger than our fear. Pastor spells ‘faith’ RISK. Think of a tightrope walker...sure, while they’re practicing and learning, there is a safety net below, but in the Big Top Show, there’s no net…it’s a risk they’re willing to take to please the audience with shock and awe. We have to take risks too…the life of the believer is no cake walk. We will stumble and fall, we might be tired and weak from our struggle, but in the end, we emerge triumphant, experiencing the chance of a lifetime, all while pleasing our audience of One.