Leaving your Comfort Zone

In Challenge 7, Part D, we will examine a gospel story featuring Jesus and Peter. From a biblical perspective, disciples of Jesus follow only Jesus, not John the Baptist or other Jewish rabbis. Jesus speaks and his disciples listen, Jesus acts and his disciples emulate his actions, Jesus leads and disciples follow. Yet on this particular night, following Jesus presented an unexpected dilemma as the disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee. Some may see it as a success story revealing Peter’s deep faith and others might conclude the story was about Peter’s failure of faith. The events reported in this story occurred immediately after the feeding of the five-thousand. 

²² Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. ²³ After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. ²⁴ Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ²⁵ About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” ²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

²⁸ Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” ³² When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. ³³ Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
Matthew 14:22-33

This may be the second most significant walk in the gospels after the walk to Emmaus on the first Easter afternoon (Luke 24:13-35). Walking with another person is a relational activity. As people share the experience of walking together, they often share their lives, too. In one sense, following Jesus as his disciples, could be metaphorically thought of as a life-long walk with Jesus. Thus, the first four steps, Tier 1, are described as “Walk with Jesus.” Yet Peter’s brief walk to accompany Jesus on the wind-tossed lake raises several questions. It certainly wasn’t an ordinary walk, even for those who kept company with Jesus. 

Most of us have walked only on a frozen lake. But Peter’s walk was far from shore on a dark night and a stormy lake. He seemed to have stepped out of the boat expecting to walk, not swim. The story challenges us and raises many questions. Hopefully, it will help us recall our own adventures when we stepped out of our boat (our comfort zones) in faith or why we refused to leave the safety of a boat.

Walking by Faith

It was 3:00 A.M. and visibility was poor. The disciples were “in trouble far away from land.” The conditions were threatening, gale force winds and heavy seas. The danger of capsizing was real. There was no safe option available to them when unexpectedly, they saw something approaching their boat through the mist and darkness. (Remember, flashlights had not been invented.) They were terrified and their hearts must have been pounding in fear. They thought it was an apparition, a ghost, but it was Jesus. He spoke to them, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” They recognized his voice and felt momentary relief, until they realized Jesus was walking toward them on the surface of the water! Their minds were spinning as they attempted to comprehend the incomprehensible.

Peter impulsively replied by shouting through the wind and darkness, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you walking on the water” – a curious response in a life-threatening situation. That would be like requesting the pilot to command to you jump out of an airplane when you don’t have a parachute. Peter had apparently interpreted Jesus’ previous command to “Come, follow me” literally (Mark 1:17, see also John 2:19). On another occasion, on the night Jesus was betrayed, “Peter insisted emphatically, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you’ ” (Mark 14:31, NIV). In this story, Peter sought to join Jesus in his nighttime stroll across the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus walked on the sea, perhaps Peter thought, “Since I am his disciple, I should always follow him, even when he walks on water.” If so, kudos to Peter. What do you think? Was Peter crazy or courageous?

The other disciples, stunned, said nothing; probably wondering if Peter had lost his mind. If they had spoken, however, they may have said something like, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell the wind to be still” or “calm the sea.” They were in panic mode; their primary concern was survival. I suspect this is the first and only time in history disciples have been confronted with the situation the twelve faced that dark night. 

Jesus simply replied to Peter, “Yes, come!” At this critical moment, I visualize the boat being tossed about by the wind and waves like a cork in the ocean. The other disciples were tense, holding onto the rocking boat with death grips as Peter struggled to his feet, stumbled over his buddies, barely able to maintain his balance. Maybe the other disciples helped to steady Peter and keep him from falling. 

The next sentence says, “So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.” Wow! The sentence sounds so routine but describes an extraordinary event. He simply raised one foot over the side of the boat as he stepped out of the boat onto the churning sea. Then, finding his footing, he pulled his other foot over the side of the boat and began to walk toward Jesus—on the water! We’re not told if his footing was solid or squishy. Maybe he took five steps or maybe it was twenty-five.

In countless sermons, preachers have emphasized that Peter began to sink at the exact moment he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the stormy sea. It is a helpful insight.

³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 

Peter’s bravado vanished when he shifted his eyes from Jesus to what was happening around him. At that moment, he began to sink. Jesus rebuked him for his  “little faith” as he reached out to save him. The story ends with Peter and Jesus climbing into the boat. Instantly, the wind stopped. The rest of his stunned disciples heaved a sigh of relief and began to worship him exclaiming, “Your really are the Son of God!”

This memorable story is ultimately about Jesus, not Peter or the other disciples. Yet Peter is a key character in the story. He wins my vote for the best supporting actor in a biblical drama. At a critical moment, Peter’s faith collapsed, but he was the only disciple who had sufficient courage to step out of the boat and walk on the wind-tossed waves. Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his bold decision, but for allowing his faith to falter in the face of adversity. Did the other eleven disciples sin because they remained in the boat? Or should Peter have stayed in the boat? 

Taking a Risk

I believe Peter “walked his talk,” just not perfectly. And if you take living as a disciple seriously, you inevitably will be challenged to walk your talk when Jesus calls you to leave your “comfort zone,” leave the safety of your usual routines, and take a risk to follow him. The motivation is never to simply take risks or to test Jesus, but to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. It’s part of the job description for disciples. 

That may be why John Ortberg titled one of his books, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat (Zondervan, 2001). In other words, if you want to walk with and become like Jesus, you must take a risk by leaving your comfort zone. Young children, when they start kindergarten, have to let go of their mother’s hand and enter the classroom. It feels scary, but to grow into maturity they must overcome their fears by “stepping out.” Likewise, in order to grow into a Christ-like person, you must trust Jesus by stepping out of your boat named “My Comfort Zone.”

Ellie’s Story

Ellie Waite is my wife and partner in ministry. She is the mother of our two daughters, a talented musician, and a person of deep faith. She came to Christ in high school and has faithfully served the Lord and others since then. Like Peter, Ellie is a person of integrity who lives her faith and shares it with others. This story is just one of many she could share about stepping out of her comfort zone in faith and obedience. She is the real deal, a dedicated disciple of Jesus.

“Why would you throw away your college education, give up your wonderful teaching job, and move somewhere to live in a tent with no income?” Those were the words spoken by my dad when I told my parents I was moving to Mount Shasta, CA to help start a new ministry. My parents did not understand my decision. I agreed it sounded crazy! My friend, Leeanne, and I believed God was leading us to join Rev. Jerry Taylor, his wife, Barbara, and their two children in launching an evangelistic outreach center called Narnia (named after the book series by C.S. Lewis). Leeanne also resigned her teaching job and Jerry resigned as pastor of his church in CA. We all knew we were being called to “step out of the boat” despite countless unknowns. We didn’t even know where we would live!

Yes, we did live in a tent at the KOA campground in Mount Shasta while the four Taylor’s (plus dog) slept in a small camper. We began the search for a home to purchase where Narnia could become reality. The vision was gathering support. But how could two unemployed schoolteachers contribute to the ministry? Open a gift shop in town, of course! What a great way to meet people! Creative friends helped us get started by donating their craft projects to stock our shelves. An amazing selection of items started arriving before we even had a place to display them. The owners of the KOA let us store everything upstairs in the clubhouse, along with our suitcases and whatever wouldn’t fit in the tent. 

Where would our gift shop be located? Whenever we drove down the main street through town, the Taylor’s son, Steven, would point to a darling storefront with a chalet design. “That’s your store!” We always laughed at his bold declaration – until we discovered it was available to rent. We made an appointment with the owner, who owned most of the downtown buildings. We told him our story and he shook his head. “I’ll get back to you…. You do know schoolteachers have a reputation of being a poor business risk, don’t you?” What could we say? We had NO experience. We asked God for a miracle—which he provided! We rented that building for six years and the owner never raised the rent. Our God does have a delightful sense of humor! The birth of the Narnia Nic Nac Shoppe was our first miracle. There were many others. God also provided the rent money every month without fail. 

The question of where we would live was finally answered. We found a large, beautiful chalet located six miles from town, used as a summer cabin (meaning not much insulation). Could God really do this? Another miracle was required. Our financial board applied for a loan and the days slowly passed as we waited for its approval. Meanwhile, temperatures were dropping with occasional snow. Leeanne and I (plus my dog) moved into the small camper when Barbara’s parents loaned them a larger RV. Eating meals indoors again felt like a luxury! The KOA officially closed October 31. They made an exception for us and allowed us to stay into November. The answer to our prayers came by phone. The loan had been approved—another miracle! We moved into the chalet, joyfully celebrating God’s faithfulness.

The Narnia vision was becoming a reality. What a team – a pastor and wife with no church, a daughter in high school, a son in middle school, and two ex-schoolteachers with no income! We had a chalet where Jesus was known, trusted, and shared. Guests were welcomed with hospitality and love. Many stayed and discovered answers to life’s big questions. Our prayers had been answered in remarkable ways. During the first three years in the chalet, over three thousand people enjoyed a meal at our table and spent the night under our roof. Jerry got a job checking ski lift tickets at the ski area, building many relationships with local folks. The Narnia Nic Nac Shoppe provided opportunities to meet tourists, campers, high school youth, college students, and neighboring businesspeople. We often invited them home for a meal, a Bible study, a Young Life or Seeker meeting (college/career age). Every day required another step of faith. As Jerry often said, “Faith is being out on a limb so far that only God can hold you up.” Sometimes the limb seemed very shaky, but it never broke! God provided everything we needed, from clothes and food to finances.

More than fifty years have passed since these early beginnings. Yes, the vision and God’s remarkable work has continued. The people in leadership have changed, yet the challenge has remained the same—to provide a place for anyone to come and discover that Jesus really is who he claimed to be—the way, the truth, and the life! 

We believed this truth, but Jesus asked us to live it by quitting our jobs. When we obeyed by stepping out in faith, Jesus met us, led us, protected us, and provided for us. Jesus did more than we had asked for or imagined. Our spiritual growth would have been diminished if we had failed to step over the side of the boat when Jesus called us. We discovered we were stepping out into a closer relationship with Jesus.

All Disciples Will Eventually Be Asked to Step Out of Their Boat

Remember, disciples are apprentices of Jesus. That means he leads, and you follow. He chooses when and where you go. And he will inevitably lead you, at some point in your life, to a place you do not want to go. Following him will require you to leave the familiar, the routine, and what feels comfortable to you. If you refuse to follow where he leads you, your relationship with Jesus (“with Jesus” Tier I) will be impaired and your spiritual growth (become “like Jesus” Tier II) will be stunted. You cannot remain where you feel most comfortable and safe when Jesus calls you to step out of your boat, (your place of comfort,) to do something risky with him.

He may not call you to walk to him on a stormy lake or leave your job to start a new ministry. But at some point, as you follow him, he will call you to do something that feels uncomfortable and risky. You probably will want to stay safely seated in your comfortable boat. You must remember that you will not be alone. Jesus promises he will never leave you or forsake you. The safest place in the world to be is in the center of God’s will, which can only be found by following Jesus. Leaving your boat will undoubtedly become a transformative adventure of faith. You will learn to rely on Jesus in new ways, and you will discover in a much deeper way that he is trustworthy. He keeps his promises. He loves you more than you realize. And after all is said and done, you will have no regrets. Instead, you will be filled with gratitude and have heightened awareness of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and presence. It is a faith-building and faith-strengthening opportunity.

Jesus always takes initiative in calling you to leave your boat. You don’t have to search for where Jesus wants to lead you. He will show you when the time is right. And like Peter, if you’re doubting whether the Lord is calling you, you can ask him to confirm it. But in the end, you will never regret saying “yes” to Jesus by stepping out in faith. Leaving your boat is part of the Jesus Way. Taking this action will always feel risky. Others may not understand. but Jesus does. Holiness makes you more like Jesus and less like the crowd. Holiness is transformative.

THINKING IT THROUGH

“…I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 (NIV)

THE TRUTH: Jesus’ character made him different and holy. 

THE CHALLENGE: Disciples dare to be different in order to live into Christ-like holiness.

The Related Scriptures, Questions, and Notes are for both group discussion and personal reflection. Our goal in Tier II is character transformation which requires sustained effort and growing faith. Thinking through the questions can help you understand this challenge at a deeper level. We encourage you to focus on those questions that you find most interesting or helpful. This is not a test, but a tool to help you respond to the challenges.

Related Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-4 ¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

⁴ So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.

Exodus 3:10-12a ¹⁰ “Now go, for I am sending you [Moses] to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”¹¹ But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” ¹²ᵃ God answered, “I will be with you.”

Joshua 1:1-2, 5, 9 ¹ After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, ² “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.

⁵ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

⁹ This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jeremiah 1:7-8 ⁷ The Lord replied [to Jeremiah], “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. ⁸ And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Matthew 10:5-8, 16, 19-20 ⁵ Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, ⁶ but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. ⁷ Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

¹⁶ “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.

¹⁹ When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. ²⁰ For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

John 20:20-21 ²⁰ As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! ²¹ Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

Matthew 28:18-20 ¹⁸ Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 14:22 ²² Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.

Questions

You are encouraged to use these questions for group discussion or personal reflection. Respond to the questions that are most relevant or interesting to you (I urge you to write your responses in a journal or notebook).

1. The story of Peter attempting to walk to Jesus on the water could be interpreted to reveal his courageous faith or a failure of his faith. Which do you consider it and why?

2. Reread the story of Jesus sending out the original twelve disciples to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” (Matthew 10:1-20, excepts in “Related Scriptures’). As you read it, imagine you were one of Jesus’ original twelve disciples when he sends you out with those directions. Pick some words that describe how you would have responded emotionally in that situation. Here are some possibilities: fearful, intimidated, excited, eager, hesitant, resistant, confident, pleased, challenged, anxious, or privileged. In your journal feel free to use other words or phrases that would be more descriptive of your response.

3. Do you know anyone who has stepped out in faith? Briefly tell their story in your journal. Did they regret their decision to step out in faith or grow because of it? If you don’t know how they would respond to such questions, give them a call, and ask them to share more details with you. 

4. If you have ever stepped out in faith, briefly describe what you did and why you did it. Did it foster spiritual growth? What was the hardest aspect of stepping out? Would you do something like it again if Jesus asked you to?

5. Have you ever felt called to step out in faith, but fear prevented you from obeying? If so, write about it in your journal. If you had it to do over, would you make the same decision?

6. The risen Jesus told his disciples, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Unpack this statement. What things come to your mind as you reflect on how the Father sent Jesus? Make a list of things Jesus may have been referring to in the phrase “as the Father has sent me.” How did the Father send Jesus?

7. The narrative declared, “The safest place in the world is to be in the center of God’s will.” What does that mean to you at this stage of your spiritual journey? Is it relevant when you sense the Lord is calling you to step out in faith and attempt something that is difficult or risky?

Completing the Challenge

1. UNDERSTAND.

Prayerfully process (think, read, discuss, question, write) until you understand the most important truth Jesus is teaching you in Challenge 7. 

Reread “THE TRUTH” and “THE CHALLENGE” statements that are printed below the “THINKING IT THROUGH” section header. It may also be helpful to read the related scriptures, and what you have already written in your journal when reading and processing parts A through C of this challenge. As always, you may consult a mentor, other disciples or a study partner, or use other resources. But do not move on to #2 (BELIEVE) until you have articulated the chief truth revealed to you in this challenge by completing this sentence, 

“The chief truth revealed in this challenge is ….” ”

2. BELIEVE.

Embracing the truth requires you to “change your mind” by ceasing to believe one thing (a lie) in order to believe the truth. To follow Jesus means you must continually repent (literally: “change your mind”—your mental map of reality) to personally embrace the truth he embodied and taught. The goal is to internalize the truth in your heart until it becomes like your DNA—what makes you, you.

Write the thing you no longer believe (the lie) by completing this sentence,
“I no longer believe ...”

Rewrite the new truth you now believe (from “1. UNDERSTAND.” above) by completing this sentence, 
“I now believe ...”

3. DO.

Jesus expects the truth you now believe to change the way you live. What you believe determines what you do and how you live. Commit to do something differently (be specific) because of your new and/or deepening faith. Write it by finishing this sentence,
“I believe Jesus is leading me to ...”  

Then pray, asking the Lord to help you do whatever you have determined he is asking you to do.

4. SHARE.

Finally, tell a mentor or study partner the specifics of how you have worked this challenge (the sentences you have written) and ask for their feedback.

REMEMBER: All of the Tier II challenges emphasize the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth in order to continually grow more and more like Jesus. These challenges (5-8)  focus on character transformation, which occurs slowly over a period of years, as you diligently seek spiritual maturity. 

It is best to write your statements at the end of each challenge in your journal/notebook. If you get stuck on this last exercise, skip it for the time being, and complete it at a later date. As you make progress on the Jesus Way, you may want to modify and improve these concluding statements. Feel free to do so at any time. Whenever you receive new insights, it may change what you have previously written. Your journal/notebook is intended to document your growing faith; it will become a useful tool to help you, and also to mentor others.

Copyright © 2024 Don Waite

All rights reserved.

Previous

Next