“But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”  -Matthew 14:27 NLT

With winds howling and waves crashing over their boat, the weary apostles were terrified. It was the middle of the night and they were far from shore when they saw a figure walking toward them. The apostles did not recognize Jesus initially, thinking He was an apparition. Jesus immediately reassured them and told them not to fear.

Peter then got out of the boat and started to walk toward Jesus. When he looked around and saw the storm he began to sink. Stepping out of the boat, Peter’s eyes were on the Messiah and he was able to accomplish the impossible. But then he took one look at his surroundings, and he was filled with fear.

I have been part of several small group Bible studies. We choose a study, watch the videos, answer the questions and have a wonderful time. So I wasn’t alarmed when I felt that the Lord was leading me to host a Bible study for my neighborhood. Granted, I was planning to invite anyone who wanted to come including women I don’t know, but I love meeting new people.

And then He told me to write it. What? No thanks Lord. There are plenty of amazing Bible studies to choose from by women who have studied the Word for years. Besides, I have no idea what I would write about. Lord, I hate to tell you this, but you have the wrong girl.

He had been preparing me. I have been fascinated by Peter for several months. I had no idea God’s intention was to take that interest a step further and place it on my heart to write a Bible study about this most beloved disciple.

Saying it out loud means having to follow through. Following through sends shivers of panic down my spine. I keep thinking I cannot do this. I am not a Bible scholar. Despite my greatest fear, I can only hear Him saying one thing.

Get out of the boat and keep your eyes on Me.

We all want to stay where we are comfortable. Whether that is taking a chance and acting out in faith, or slowing down to take time with the Lord, anything that deviates from our norm can be frightening.

Apathy does not grow us. It does not mold us into who we are meant to be. Apathy robs us of God’s intended joy and the plans He has in place for our lives. The only thing that scares me more than writing this study is the idea that God would find me unwilling to serve. I do not want to be passed over because I would not answer His call.

So I now have less than six weeks to prepare for a six week study. Thankfully, when God calls us, He equips us, and I can assure you I need a lot of equipping. The bottom line is that at the end of my life I want to look back and see where God used me because I got out of the boat.

Peter did not start sinking until he took his eyes off the one who made walking on water possible. I feel myself sinking when I let my mind go to all the places of fear I have typically let overwhelm me. This time I am going to trust Him to the end of the task. I am going to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Will you?