As I mentioned on
Monday, this week I’m taking some time to answer a frequently asked question.
Why did you name the blog Out of
the Boat?
I’m going to answer by revisiting a
couple of blog posts that were written in April of 2010 when this blog was just
a baby, and when I couldn’t say “I’m a writer” without turning red and
stammering over the words. (If you missed Monday’s post, you might want to read it here first).
Some things have changed in the past two years, but
one thing hasn’t.
I’m still
Out of the Boat.
I have a very active
imagination.
I know what you’re thinking . . . “Yeah, we sorta
figured that out ever since you admitted that you’ve been walking around with
detailed, novel length stories in your head. You’re a
loon.”
True. I take full responsibility for my own
weirdness.
But, I find having a very active imagination to be a
gift. When I read verses like Eph. 3:20 where it says that God is able to do
exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or imagine . . . well, I
think . . . whoohoo! Bring it! ‘Cause this girl can imagine some pretty amazing
scenarios!!
So I started wondering about the other disciples in the boat.
There they are, the twelve, thinking this might be their last night because they
are losing the fight. Jesus shows up, walking across the rolling seas.
And
Peter. I do love Peter. Talk about a man with an imagination. I mean, really!
Where did he come up with this? “If you are who you say you are, ask me to come
to you on the water.” What kind of question is that? But that’s not really the
point of this post – that’s a freebie!
Sometimes I find the things
Scripture doesn’t tell us as interesting as what it does. We have no idea what
the eleven guys in the boat did while Peter was tiptoeing over the waves. But
our own experience gives us some good ideas.
So picture it.
Imagine it was you in the boat. And your buddy starts climbing out. What would
you do?
“Peter! Don’t!” Frightened hands reaching to
restrain him.
“I always knew he’d do something stupid and get himself
killed. He just doesn’t think.” Deep sigh.
“Show off.” Eyes
rolling.
“Who does he think he is? He can’t walk on water. He’s
always been a bit arrogant but really, this is taking it to extremes. When he
goes down, we’re all going to get wet trying to save his sorry self.”
Righteous indignation.
I find it interesting that while the account of
Jesus walking on the water is found in Matthew, Mark, and John, only Matthew
records Peter’s part in the drama. I wonder if John was embarrassed that he
didn’t think of it first. I know . . . I know . . . Scripture is inspired and
clearly God wanted Matthew to tell the story. I get it. Just work with me
here!
Maybe Matthew was the one who was most jealous. Or most impressed.
Keep in mind, they all heard Jesus. They knew Jesus had called Peter to come.
They didn’t just have to take his word for it. But still . . . he got out of a
boat. In the middle of a storm.
I have some friends who are “out
of the boat” – and in far more spectacular ways than me.
An
acquaintance at church who, even though she has young children at home, has
opened up her home and heart to foster children in need. I am blown away by
that! I’m not sure I could do it.
A dear friend who, even though it makes
absolutely no sense to most people, has put her home on the market. Why? They
are downsizing their lives so they can be better positioned to go on short term
missions trips. To Africa! With the whole family! I’ve known this girl for
years. She’s been a faithful and dear friend, but it was only a few months ago
when she said “I’ve always had a heart for Africa.” Really? I had NO IDEA.
I could go on. I know of two others who are serving on foreign fields.
Single. No real hope of ever marrying. But they felt the call and they answered
it.
And the biggest question they hear is “Why?” And sadly, when they
say, “Because I felt called to do it” people often look at them like they’ve
lost their minds.
I’ve wondered about my own reactions. When I hear of
someone who is living their life, totally and completely sold out to Christ.
Willing to take whatever steps they feel him calling them to take. Even if it
seems nuts. Have I looked down my nose? “Don’t they know what this will do
to their children?” Questioned the timing? “Maybe that would be fine in
a few years, but now?” Wondered what their decision might cost me?
“They are so selfish – I’ll have to pick up the slack.”
No, we
don’t have the benefit of hearing the call ourselves. But maybe we should
remember that for the one who is called, there is only one
option.
Getting out of the boat made NO SENSE!
But
getting out of the boat was the ONLY thing that made sense.
Lynn, so glad you ALSO got out of the boat to brave the murkey,scarey, ever-shifting waters of writing…your work, your enjoyment, is turning out to be a blessing for many. Keep writing!
Powerful post, Lynn! When I read it, I realized I'm a wimp. I think I'm out of the boat, but am I really? I live in my nice comfy home and have enough to eat and pay the necessary bills. Do I really suffer for Him? Step out on the water?
Not sure I do…
Could you please hand me a stylish pair of steel-toed shoes? Ouch! Like Vonda, I thought I was out of the boat but now I think I'm straddling — not a good place to be. I look forward to the journey, Lynn.
Deb – Thanks! I loved your post today!
Vonda & Cathy – I think being Out of the Boat will look different for each of us. I'd say both of you are Out! 🙂 But my heart's desire is for all of us – mostly me – to be more willing to take some risks and get our feet wet!
I love your Blog name and it makes perfect sense to me! I just recently got "out of the boat" although I am just beginning to get my feet wet. When God called me it was a shock. I may not be serving in Africa or able to take in misplaced children, but I feel sure God has a grand plan for my form of service.