VENTURING OUT (OR NOT)

As Jim and I were quietly exploring St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, I turned into a small corner of the sanctuary and came upon this stained-glass image of Jesus rescuing fearful Peter from the water. Tears suddenly filled my eyes, for I recognized this as a God-moment. Back in January, when I chose my guiding word for this year–Venture–I had also chosen a few verses from this Bible story to enrich the meaning of my word:

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. *

In choosing these verses, I have hoped to find the wisdom to recognize when my discernment is of God: “Lord, if it is you…”

And I have hoped to find the courage to venture–get out of the boat–when I sense that I have been invited to “Come.”

As I now revisit the rest of the story, I’m reminded that Peter had wisely discerned that it was Jesus who called him, and Peter had found the courage to get out of the boat–the very things I hope to do. And yet, he still became fearful when the storm raged on. Like Peter, our discernments may be filled with prayerful certainty, but upon venturing out we can encounter trouble and turbulence. We too, may begin to flounder when new challenges raise our fears and doubts.

And like Peter, we can call out to Jesus for help.

I find one more gift here. Jesus questioned why Peter doubted him, but he didn’t scold Peter and say, “Now go out there and try again!” Instead, Jesus brought Peter safely back to the boat. Jesus recognized this as a time not to compel, but to comfort.

When we prayerfully and courageously step out in faith, only to encounter difficulties that raise our fears and doubts, we can still turn to God in Christ for help. God knows our holy longings, but God also knows our circumstances and obstacles. As you listen to your soul today, do you hear God encouraging you to keep trying–or do you feel God leading you back to safe harbor?

Take heart. Whether we venture out at God’s invitation, or abide securely in God’s comfort, God’s presence remains with us. Is there any better place we could be?

(Photo by Karen, Kennebunkport, ME)

* Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

(Matthew 14:22-33 NRSVUE)

Bible passage found at https://www.biblegateway.com/