Stepping Out

Facing Your Fears: Getting Out of the Boat in Faith

Life often feels like being in a boat during a storm - waves crashing, winds howling, and uncertainty all around. Yet it's precisely in these moments that God calls us to step out in faith, just as Peter did when he walked on water toward Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Step Out of the Boat?

The story from Matthew 14 shows us a powerful picture of faith in action. After Jesus fed the 5,000, He sent His disciples across the lake while He went to pray. But this wasn't a peaceful evening cruise - the disciples found themselves battling against strong winds and crashing waves in the darkness.

"'Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."' - Matthew 14:25-27 New International Version (NIV)"

When Peter saw Jesus, he didn't just stay safely in the boat. He asked to join Jesus on the water, and Jesus invited him to "Come."

Why Do We Stay in the Boat?Fear Keeps Us Paralyzed

We all face different kinds of fears that keep us from stepping out in faith. Some fear rejection, others fear failure. Some worry about not having what it takes, while others struggle with fear of the unknown. These fears aren't necessarily sinful - fear can be healthy when it protects us from real danger. But when fear prevents us from following God's call, it becomes a barrier to faith.

We Want Control and Comfort

The boat represents our comfort zone, the place where we feel we have some control. But faith often requires us to leave that perceived safety and trust in God's control instead. Like the disciples in the story, we each have different personalities that respond to fear differently - some doubt like Thomas, others fear abandonment like John, or worry about failure like James.

How Do We Face Our Fears in Faith?Remember Your Identity in Christ

Before we can step out boldly, we must remember who we are. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:1-3: "'Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.' - Colossians 3:1-3 New International Version (NIV)"

Our primary identity isn't found in our success, appearance, or achievements. We are children of God, hidden with Christ. This identity gives us the foundation to step out courageously.

Trust in Christ's Presence

Jesus promises never to leave us or forsake us. When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control, we can remember that all authority has been given to Christ in heaven and on earth. He invites us to come to Him and find rest, even in the midst of life's storms.

What Should We Take Off and Put On?Clothes That Don't Fit Christ

Paul uses the metaphor of clothing to describe how we should live as followers of Christ. Some attitudes and behaviors simply don't fit our new identity and need to be removed:

Clothes That Reflect Christ

Instead, we're called to put on characteristics that match our Savior:

What Happens When We Step Out?Faith Becomes Contagious

When others see us step out in faith and take on challenges we've never faced before, it attracts them. The Spirit of God working through our lives becomes a powerful witness that draws others to Christ.

We Risk Failure But It's Not Final

Peter walked on water, but then he sank. Did he fail? Perhaps, but his failure wasn't final with Jesus. Our failures aren't final either. Like Jonas Salk, who tried 200 unsuccessful polio vaccines before finding the one that worked, or Winston Churchill, who learned leadership by taking the same class twice, we can view setbacks as opportunities to get it right.

Remarkable Things Happen

When we step out in faith, God does remarkable things. The story ends with the disciples worshiping Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God. Faith exercised in Jesus' name leads to worship and recognition of His lordship.

Life Application

This week, identify one area where fear has kept you in the boat. Maybe it's a relationship that needs healing, a conversation you've been avoiding, or a step of obedience God has been calling you to take. Remember your identity in Christ, put on the clothes that reflect Him, and take one concrete step out of your comfort zone in faith.

Ask yourself these questions:

The same God who was faithful to Peter on the water is faithful to you today. He's calling you to step out of the boat, not in your own strength, but clothed in His character and confident in His presence.