The Apostle Peter’s faith was often just as unstable as the waves he tried to walk upon. At times he was able to triumphantly rise above the torrent yet sank miserably at others. However, though his faith may have been fickle, Peter still did something in today’s gospel that the other eleven choose not to: he took a risk; he took a risk, got out of the boat, and at least tried to walk to Christ; performing what the existential philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard called, “a leap of faith.”
Faith necessitates just such a leap; the risk in believing in something beyond sight and reason; Peter proved that. He may not have gotten far upon the waters before his faith failed him, but at least he dared to take that chance; and so, must we.
Therefore, take the risk by stepping out of the boat to walk as a disciple of Christ upon the precarious waves of this sin-tossed world. Step out of the boat with obedience and humility to practice your faith with diligence. Step out of the boat to enhance your relationship with Christ through prayer, fasting, and reading Scripture. Step out of the boat to show your love for God through forgiveness, compassion, servitude, and doing unto others. Step out of the boat to prove your faith by living it, professing it, and sharing it.
Step out of the boat…
