Becoming a water-walking Christian

When I was 6 or 7 years old, my mom faithfully took me to swimming lessons at the local YMCA. I wanted to learn how to swim, but getting my arms and legs to work together was difficult for me. There was also part of me that feared the water. Embarrassingly, when the class ended, I still did not know how to swim. The next summer when I found myself at a pool, I stood at the side and suddenly it all clicked. I let go of my fears and I dove in. My mom ran to the pool's edge to rescue me, but much to her surprise, and mine, I was swimming around with joy. 

In Matthew 14 we read two big stories. First is the story of feeding of the five thousand, where the work of God is on grand display. Immediately following is the story of Jesus walking on water. You may remember Jesus sent his disciples on ahead of him while he retreated to rest and pray. Just before dawn the disciples spotted Jesus coming toward them, walking on the water. Their first response was fear. But as Peter’s heart began to settle, he called out to Jesus, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” In a single word Jesus responded, “Come.” 

Writing this column is reminiscent of me learning how to swim and Peter stepping out in faith. These are new waters for me, and while my role as pastor commands that I write thousands of words each week, this is different. So I’m stepping out in faith like Peter and like my 6-year-old self.

However, we all know what happens next. Peter sinks. When he takes his eyes off Jesus and is distracted by the wind and waves, his fears get the best of him, and he sinks like a rock. When Jesus lifts Peter up, he doesn’t fuss at him for trying to walk on water, but rather for lacking the faith to keep walking toward him.

It is easy to give the sinking Peter a hard time. I heard a pastor once say, “in that moment Peter proved he was a rock and sank like one.” Remember, however, it was Peter who had the courage to get out of the boat, while the other disciples were quaking in the boat. 

This passage reminds me that we are intended to be water-walking Christians, getting out of the boat and heading toward Jesus. We have to choose to ignore the distractions that call us to fear. What fears are holding you in the boat? What fears are holding you back from living boldly for God? Jesus’ word to us is the same he offered to his disciples that night, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Thanks for inviting me into your life through this column. Thanks for welcoming me out of the boat. Now it is your turn. Don’t let anything hold you back. 

Tom Ogburn, D.Min., is senior pastor at First Baptist Church in downtown Knoxville. For more information go to fbcknox.org.