What are you afraid of? Some people have a fear of spiders, others dread the dark, for some panic sets in when they find themselves in enclosed spaces and others would rather eat their own toenails off than speak in public. For me, it’s heights.  I will go great lengths to avoid ladders, tall buildings and towers and flyovers on the freeway.  I love roller coasters but every coaster is one in the dark for me because my eyes are closed!  It’s also water. I don’t like being in water I can’t see the bottom of – like lakes.  So put me in a plane over the ocean and I’m done!  It’s also snakes. As far as I am concerned, all snakes should be dead snakes!

Often times I find that same feeling of dread sneaks up on me when I am confronted with an opportunity to move from a place that is comfortable to one that is uncomfortable. Or when I am challenged to move from the known to the unknown or from the secure to the risky.  Often moving from the status quo to a new adventure is accompanied by apprehension, anxiety, and panic.  On those occasions, I have a choice – I can allow fear to paralyze me and stay where I am or I can overcome the fear and move into uncharted waters.

That is exactly what Peter did when he walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus had sent the disciples ahead in a boat and a terrible storm came up on the sea.  Let’s note that they must have already been afraid.  But then Jesus (who they think is a ghost) comes to them walking on the water they were “terrified.”  It’s that same feeling you and I have when confronted with our fears – that same fright and horror.  And Jesus said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Peter clarified that it was Jesus and accepted an invitation to step over the edge of the boat. He made clear that it was God calling him to move from the status quo and he stepped into an experience he had never had before. I am sure Peter had butterflies in his stomach. Certainly he experienced that feeling of apprehension, anxiety and panic.  But when confronted with the choice he did not allow fear to paralyze him.  He moved into uncharted waters and defied one of the most basic laws of nature!  Yes, Peter took his eyes off Jesus. And, yes, he began to sink. That’s often the teaching point of this story.  But let’s not forget – he walked on water!!

What about you? Where is God calling you to move from the known to the unknown? If it’s God, take the risk and step into unchared waters.  It’s in the uncharted waters where we often meet God in new and fresh ways. It’s in the risk where we experience an adventure that we otherwise would miss out on.  It’s out on the uncharted places that we see God defy the laws of nature and do things we never would have even imagined.  It’s always a choice – be paralyzed or walk on water.  You choose!