Matthew 14:27 But Jesus immediately spoke up: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28“Lord, if it is You, Peter replied, “Command me to come to You on the water.” 29“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.

Following Jesus often requires risk. Obeying His directives often feels like walking on water. He calls us to venture out of our natural inclinations and into His supernatural ability. The big problem with me obeying Jesus is that I am risk adverse. I like safety, comfort, and predictability. However, I am also keenly aware that constantly playing it safe does not produce the life that God wants for me. Participating in God’s activity requires me to participate in things beyond my own ability.

If there was ever a person who dared to step into the activity of Jesus it was Peter. I know that you may argue that He stumbled along the way, but at this point in my life, I really applaud his willingness to step out of a perfectly good boat on nothing but the command of Jesus. Following Jesus may require us to abandon some perfectly good things as well. How do we know if we are living a life that is risking enough?

Whit George said recently in an interview that we must “Risk beyond recovery but not beyond God’s covering.” That statement captures the perfect balance of a couple of truths we must embrace. First, we must realize that God is always calling us to do things beyond ourselves. If we can accomplish the dream in our heart with our own efforts then that dream is most likely not from God. His dreams require His resources. His plan demand His intervention, lest we experience the same sinking sensation that Peter experienced on the water.

Second, we must make sure that we are risking the right thing. This invitation to experience God in greater ways is not lead by our own idea but rather in obedience to God’s idea. You better not step out of a perfectly good boat because you think it would be exciting to walk on water. You better step out only because Jesus is calling.

Today’s Challenge: Prayerfully consider what God is calling you to do. Realize that when He speaks His words will draw you to things beyond yourself. Do not allow fear to deter you from following. Take the risk in obedience to His word.