leaving the boat

God is our refuge and strength
a very present help in trouble.

Thoughts on Matthew 14 :28-31
The account of Peter walking on the water to Jesus is a very familiar one.  Another storm and another boat filled with disciples frozen in fear.  Jesus comes walking on the water towards them and Peter cries out, "If it is you, command me to come to you on the water.!"
He was saying  'make me believe.'  And Jesus replies , "Come." His is always a word of invitation. He truly wants us to come to him. Peter then steps out of the boat and walks right to Jesus.  He is not just walking towards Him when he falters again. He was right there. He knew it was Jesus and then he looks back at the wind and the waves and is paralyzed with fear. He cries out, "Lord, save me!'
Now Jesus reaches his hand out to Peter and embraces him. Lovingly, He says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
The final act is one of intimacy and power. It was not enough for Peter to be near to Jesus. He had to be in His arms.
This is a picture of my faith walk. I'm bold enough to get out of the boat and walk right to Jesus. But the storm rages and the waves are high and find myself focusing on my fear. Yet, He never fails to reach out for me.  This is the intimacy that keeps me safe where I can always find refuge and strength.