Matthew 14:25-33
During the fourth watch of the night, 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.”
“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.”
“Come,” He said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and, came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
This was the passage from the Gospel of Matthew that was taught this past Sunday at the church to which Janet and I belong. An awesome passage that I have read, or heard spoken, many times. But this time it seemed to resonate more deeply into my soul.
What does it mean to step out of the boat? Why, if life is going along smoothly, would anyone ever think of stepping out of the boat? What if life is not going along smoothly? Wouldn’t it then make even more sense to stay in the boat? To stay securely seated, dry, and comfortable. Why would anyone, then, ever think of stepping out of the boat. As I pondered all of this, the answer came to me: my life is not about me.
I have been given the gift of life from God. And the purpose of my life is to bring Him glory. Playing it safe, sitting at home in my comfort zone, and blaming other people, does not bring God glory.
So like Peter, I asked Jesus to call me. In the midst of a storm, in the midst of a dark valley, in the midst of 2020 and in the midst of Covid-19, Jesus did call me. And I chose to step out of the boat. What God called me into, I would have never imagined for myself…
Talk to you next week.
John
The Shoe Shine Guy 
John, so good to see this post. It has been a long time, months, since I last received a Shoeshine Guy message. Hope all is well and you and your family are remaining safe. Merry Christmas, cousin!
Thanks Mary! Everyone is healthy here. I hope the same for you and your family. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and yours!
John, so good to see a fresh blog and such a meaningful one. Now more than ever God’s saints need to STAND and go forth with the light of His love and the testimony of His goodness. You are a blessing. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Lawana (UBS Troy) 🙂
Hi Lawana! So nice to hear from you. I hope all is well with you and yours. Have a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Dear John:Good morning from Arizona. We miss you and Janet. We hope you are doing well, and are keeping safe from COVID. Thank you for copying me on your email. You have a wonderful gift in the way you write. I look forward to hearing how your further step of faith with God is used for His glory! We wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year. With love,Lori R. Pew
“Today I am one day nearer home than ever before. One day nearer the dawning when the fog will lift, mysteries clear, and all the question marks straighten up into explanation points and I shall see the King!” – Vance Havner
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliott
Hi Lori! Great to hear from you. I hope all is well in the sunnier part of the world. Janet and I miss seeing you and Doug at the shop. We wish you both, and your family, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
What sweet messages you have written these past two weeks! I’m jealous (in a good way) that you heard His voice so clearly. I truly believe He speaks when He knows his child is ready! You were yearning to step out onto the water and ALL the pieces fell into place my brother! Engineered by the Man Himself!
You are especially blessed to have a godly wife in Janet, who believes with all her heart, like you do, and will support you with a joyful God-filled attitude.
I’m anxious to read more down the road! You’re an inspiration to me to ASK Him for something I may not want to do…. it’s daunting. I love you little brother and am thrilled with the path you’ve accepted and are traveling on. Love Jeanne
Thank you, Jeanne! I pray that I can continue to follow where He leads me. I will be praying this for you as well. Thank you for your encouraging words. Love you big sister!