When to get out of the boat
Early in our marriage, my husband and I enjoyed canoeing on rivers. He was experienced, whereas I was not. There’s a BIG difference between paddling on a flat smooth lake and navigating rapids on a fast flowing river. I learned a lot, but he learned a lesson or two as well–such as when to get out of the boat.
Rapids on a southern, relatively flat river can’t compare with the Colorado River or a powerful mountain stream. However, we navigated some exciting trips in hilly country. Farmer Bob taught me how to discern the deepest channels to squeeze the canoe through and how to avoid submerged rocks.
Image by Todd MacDonald from Pixabay
Getting out of the boat is hard
But sometimes in spite of experience, canoeists still get their boat stuck on a rock. Usually there are three options to get unstuck:
- Rock the boat to cause it to slip off the rock
- Push against the rock with paddles
- Climb out and pull the canoe off the rock.
All of the above have risks. Rocking the boat may cause it to tip, dumping the occupants. Pushing off the rock can result in a broken paddle. Climbing out of the boat can lead to a fall onto rocks or the individual may step into an unseen hole and disappear under water.
Getting out of the boat can be terrifying
In Matthew, Chapter 14, we learn about Jesus walking on water to join his disciples who had gone ahead of him in a boat. When the disciples saw him, they were terrified, thinking he was a ghost. But he called out to them:
“Take courage! It is I, Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27
But Peter wanted assurance and called out to Jesus:
“Lord if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28
“Come,” Jesus said.
It wasn’t long before Peter wished he was back in the boat. The wind blew and waves grew. He was terrified and began to sink. Peter cried out for help.
Jesus reached out his hand.
When to get out of the boat
When we got stuck on a rock, my husband hated to get out of the canoe. He didn’t like getting his feet wet. He always thought there was a better way (breaking his paddle pushing or capsizing us in the water might be the result). Whereas, I didn’t mind getting wet and often jumped out immediately and pulled us off the rock before he even began to try the other two options.
He was cautious–I was impulsive–like Peter. But most of the time, we were a great team on the river.
Taking a chance
We’re taking a chance when we get out of the boat. It’s not our comfortable pathway. Getting out of the boat is new, challenging, and sometimes terrifying.
But just as Peter learned, when we get out of the boat, we still need Jesus as our guide. And if we begin to sink–we call out for help–and He will reach His hand out for us.
Is God calling you to a new challenge? Are you in a season of complacency and need to get out of the boat?
Thanks, Katherine. If we want to “walk on water” at Jesus’ call, we have to get out of the boat.
Getting out of the boat can be terrifying, but as you remind us, we can’t “walk on water” with Jesus if we stay in the boat. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Wishing you a blessed week.
You’ve provided a real picture of getting out of the boat with its approaches and the reality of risk. And along with that the confidence of our trustworthy Guide in all situations. Thanks for encouraging us today to prayerfully consider where we are and our next steps.
We are so blessed that we have our Lord with us during all those times we take that step of faith. Of course, he’s with us when we don’t step out, too, but we’re not taking as much of risk then. Although, I think there is a lot of risk in being complacent (staying in the boat). A storm can capsize the boat, our vessel can spring a leak, our boat can wear out with age age and lack of maintenance–there’s lots of dangers there, too. As you say, I’m thankful for our “trustworthy Guide in all situations.
Katherine, you have shared about what I think is my favorite Bible story 🙂 As I grow older I am discovering, whether in the boat or climbing out, I want to simply be with Jesus. We are safest with Him.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Joanne. I agree we are safest with Jesus. I wish I had learned that lesson earlier, but I’m so thankful our Lord waited patiently for me to come to my senses. Wishing you joy and blessings.
This was a great post. I love the way you tied in your story of getting out of the boat with Peter’s. Certainly I can relate in about a million and one ways. Let’s make that a million and two. I am so very grateful that Jesus is both in the boat and waiting outside the boat with His hand out held. Thanks Katherine.
Our Savior is with us every step of our journey–in the boat or out. He’s rescued me with that outstretched hand numerous times. Thank you Sylvia.
Loved this post, as I often say when reading your words Ms. Katherine. As I read, the thought of “no risk, no reward” kept running through my mind. If I never risk anything (my reputation, my safety, my comfort), then how can I ever achieve reward? I also channeled our friend Coach Mark Prasek (PJNET.tv) for a brief moment and thought, “While the player that rode the bench all season may get to be part of the championship season, they’ll never feel the exhilaration of making the game-saving tackle or scoring the game-winning touchdown.” In both cases, and forgive me if this was not your intent, I thought of so many who are content to sit in a church pew each week and do little or nothing to further God’s kingdom. They seem satisfied with simply being on the team and have no interest in getting into the game. I thought to myself, what an empty life that must be to live a risk-free life. Thank you for causing me to think this day my friend.
Thank you for sharing your insightful comments, J.D. Yes, I did think of those who sit back (or stand back) and are unwilling to boldly step out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. However, as I reflect more, I know I have been that person, as have many others. It’s not just motivation that is the problem–it’s fear, feelings of inadequacy, belief that we aren’t worthy, etc. Sometimes it’s hard to find that balance between taking risks and being unwilling to step out for our Lord. We know that Jesus is with us when we witness for Him. I pray we will trust in Him–He will be with us when we step out in service to Him.
I wasn’t a fan of rafting during the one time I participated. I don’t like the feeling of physical risk. (I’m enough of a klutz that just walking around is enough of a risk for me.)
We got through a tenuous spot through the guidance of an experienced guide.
I’m thankful for Christ’s leadership and guidance through the risky parts of life. And for His grace when I plodded ahead without asking for help.
Great post, Katherine. Thanks and God bless!
Your comments sum it all up, Nancy. We have Christ as our Guide through our challenges and are so blessed to have His gift of grace in the mishaps. Thank you for sharing. Peace and blessings!
What a dare devil you are, Katherine! Climbing out on a rock sounds scary to me. Love this analogy and these words, “When we get out of the boat, we still need Jesus as our guide. And if we begin to sink–we call out for help–and He will reach His hand out for us.”
I don’t know if I was a dare-devil or just over confident. I was blessed to be nimble and have quick reaction time, so I guess that’s what kept me from falling. Of course, as you point out, our greatest blessing is Jesus as our guide and rescuer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hope your week is filled with joy and blessings.
Cautious and impulsive. Sounds like a perfect match for a couple. But you’re right: sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone and follow God’s leading.
We were a good match, Candyce. Our talents and personalities often melded well and helped cover the other’s weakness. I was blessed. When do you think it’s easiest (or less challenging) to get out of our comfort zone–when we’re older or younger?
Great points! Such a picture of the situations we face on choppy seas of life. I hadn’t considered the WHEN to get out of the boat. It requires me to stop and think before jumping out—if i’m not frozen in fear and clinging to the side. I wonder how many of us refuse to get out when our “boats” are sinking, relying on self effort to patch up the impossible or refusing to trust in the God who can do all things? Spiritually challenging wisdom here, Katherine!
I’ve definitely been too stubborn at times to get out of a sinking boat and had to be rescued by the outstretched hand of our Savior. Thankfully I’ve learned some valuable lessons from those experiences, although, as a human, I still mess up. I’m thankful for our Lord’s grace and mercy. Thank you for your encouragement, Mary.
Great story and lesson, Katherine!It’s hard to get out of our safe boat sometimes!
You are right, Kathy. Our “boat” can become too comfortable if we’re not careful and sometimes we hide out there when we’re afraid to step out into God’s purpose for us. I hope spring has come to the mountains! Wishing you joy and blessings.
We can learn so much when we’re out on the water, Katherine. Thanks for using your experiences to clarify an important spiritual issue. Blessings to you!
I know you’ve had some water experiences, too, Annie. We both learned some valuable lessons from our trips on the river. Wishing you joy and blessings for the upcoming week.
Yes Katherine, I’m in a huge state of transition and my stomach churns with all the changes and new tasks. I needed the reminder to reach out to God, even with the day-to-day things. He has led me here, I’m sure of it, so he will sustain and provide.
I understand, Cathy. Change is hard much of the time and when change leads us into the unknown, it can be terrifying. I’m praying for you.