Walking on Water

What if we're not supposed to look before we leap.

Everyone is always looking for the plan.
"Have you considered all the options?"
Everyone wants to hear the reasons.
"Did you get a specific 'word' about this?"
Everyone requires reassurance for something even you are thinking is crazy.

How do you spiritually shrug your shoulders and say, "I don't know?"
How do you put your finger on the hand that's between your shoulders, pushing you forward?
How do you guide someone else when you were instructed to walk in the dark without a flashlight?

Do we, without intention, hinder others from growth because we told them there needed to be a 10-point, 5-year, 12-step plan in order to make investment worth it.

Which begs the question: what is worth?
What areas of our lives have been successes?
Failures?

Peter got out of the boat.
And he sank.

He sank.

Yeah, God was there and grabbed him, but... did the others all shake their heads and say, "C'mon, Peter, you just had to try it, didn't you."
Maybe a little poking fun, "There goes Peter again: 'Hey, Jesus, why don't you ask me to come out there too?' Hahahaha."
"Lasted all of about two minutes, huh big shot?"
"Next time maybe just wait until Jesus instructs us about water walking and then try it?"

But should he have?

Or is just putting yourself out there, in itself, pleasing to God?

Is the risk with potential of reward actually the greatest pleasure to Him?

"Oh, Peter, you're still growing," Jesus smiled. It was just the two of them out there, the crashing waves making it hard to hear. His grip was firm on Peter's wrist, but meeting his eyes after the slip into the storm was a greater weight than his hand. "Why did you start to doubt after that bold beginning?"

He didn't say, "Next time just stay in the boat."
He asked what made him stop.

It was probably an awkward trip home - everyone else in a huddle, caught up in talking about how amazing Jesus is and that He is truly God, while Peter sat to the side, giving himself a good talking-to about what made him think that was a good idea. "Way to be impulsive again. One of these times you're going to act more like the others."

And yet, we know the end of the story.
Jesus honored Peter with more authority, intense calling, and the responsibility of spearheading a radical culture change for the Jews in accepting Gentiles.

He needed someone ready to jump.
Even without the answers.
Someone who asked for the invitation instead of waiting for it.

Because maybe the 10-point plan is a little too dependent on my own vision.
Because maybe the 5-year plan is going to be resistant to new direction.
Because maybe the 12-step plan is me trying to prove to others that I'm prepared enough to not even need God.

Trust isn't pretty.
And often it looks like getting wet when your feet were supposed to stay above water.
But it's the truest form of success.
The core from which all strength draws.
The harbor where all ships can return.
The flying leap that will never look safe, is never guaranteed, and always a risk.

That's why it's so beautiful when you're caught.