willing to risk your all

Imagine the nerve to step off the security of rough hewn boat planks onto water.

In its liquid form, water is not necessarily the most supportive of substances... though it commands tremendous power. The tsunami waves' raw force and destructive abilities boggle the mind.  Another odd phenomenon of water is the resistance level on impact, dependent on variables such as height, speed, and surface area. While sticking a finger in water or high diving with skill creates virtually no resistance... water may also act as concrete, shattering bones. And then it may converge forms of ice and vapor.  All in all, it's a rather tricky substance.

So there remains little doubt that stepping from a boat in open sea into the waves would immediately result in submergence.  However.. it seems that Peter found exception to this rule of nature.. in an account from Matthew 14:22-33.  

Oswald Chambers (the only devotional writer I find to be relatively intelligent and thought provoking) writes, "The wind was actually boisterous, the waves were actually high, but Peter did not see them at first. He did not reckon with them..." He remained focused and intent, recognizing the Lord.  And with trust, accomplished the impossible. 

(At risk of sounding pious, I'll refrain from providing commentary on the various spiritual meanings in the passage.. please read for yourself). 

But despite the amazing feat of this venture, I've remained largely unimpressed through the years. Perhaps its arrogance.. perhaps its skepticism.  Until, I suddenly realized the circumstances around me were incredibly overwhelming... incredibly terrifying.. and incredibly out of my control.  Oswald says about Peter,"..then he began to reckon with the actual things, and down he went instantly!".  Falling down the proverbial rabbit hole feels a bit unsettling...  realizing the change from "walking on water", trusting a path and unsteady "ground"... to sinking.  Shutter!

It certainly doesn't take long to realize that being immediately reckless and flinging aside doubt is a far more stable a situation.  Maintain complete resilience on Him, no matter the circumstance! 

And we wonder, "wherefore didst thou doubt?!".  Never again.