After The Boat Ride #311

After The Boat Ride #311

The story in Matthew 14 encourages us to step out of the boat, let go of what we’re holding onto, and become who God’s called us to be. We know that Peter did that, but I always wondered how the other disciples felt and what they did next. 

I know what regret feels like when I should do something but don’t, when I need to have a conversation but keep quiet, or when I need to step out but stay seated. I think the disciples regretted not leaving the boat themselves and envied Peter as Jesus held onto him until they reached the shore. To prove they grew tired of Peter bragging about walking on water, Matthew, who was in the boat, is the only gospel that gives Peter’s name in the story.

That night, the disciples questioned if Jesus was a ghost walking by them. He didn’t hold a grudge, though, for their inaction. He gave them another chance to walk with Him, and they took it the second they stepped on shore.

Just think, if Jesus had ignored them, the books of Matthew, John, and Revelation would have never been written, but He didn’t. He saw past their fears and knew that wasn’t the end of their impact, for He would use them later.

The disciples had witnessed Jesus feeding five thousand earlier, but before the end of the trip, they doubted His presence. Peter walked on water and later denied knowing Him. Our lives are filled with spiritual ups and downs, too. We’ve all felt like one day, we witnessed God move mountains, and the next, we felt like we were in the middle of a storm.  

I believe that the other 11 disciples turned their regret for not stepping out in faith into action to make sure the message of Jesus Christ, the Cross, and the Resurrection were preached everywhere they went. They never forgot that night and used it as motivation to reflect His glory from then on. That one incident didn’t mark the end of their story. Jesus was just beginning to write new stories on their lives and provide them with new opportunities. 

I realize you may have questions or doubts right now, and it feels like the storm just won’t end. Trust that it will, otherwise, continue to cling onto the boat to stay in your situation, keep spending time with people who pull you away from God, or keep doing things that you regret in the morning.

God does not desire this way for you. He wants you to step out of the boat and follow Him so He can write a new story with you. One that makes a difference in your life and others.

In conclusion, don’t read the story of Matthew 14 with regret of what you haven’t done or the mistakes you’ve committed, instead, follow the God of 2nd chances because people need to hear your new story when they need a hand up from sinking like Peter did.

Start by believing in Him receive His forgiveness, and so you can become the person He’s called you to be. It’s time to let go of your seat and leave the boat because legacies are made outside of it.

I have a pen, so contact me at www.lighthouselegacies.com, and let’s write your best legacy. Also, listen to The Legacy for Christian Leaders podcast on your favorite platforms.