Get Out of the Boat!

I’m not a fan of canoes due to their small size and lack of stability. Have you ever been in a canoe or rowboat when someone is moving around too much, threatening to capsize you both, and all you can do is hang on for dear life while yelling, “STOP MOVING AROUND!”?

Yep, that’s me, while this '70s song chorus by The Hues Corporation plays in my head:

Rock the boat

Don’t rock the boat, baby

Rock the boat

Don’t tip the boat over

Rock the boat

Don’t rock the boat, baby

Rock the boat…

“Not cool!” I shout, although laughing.

Maybe that’s my connection and fascination with Peter’s story in Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT):

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. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It's a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don't be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink… 

So, the disciples are in a boat, at night, in rough waters—and in trouble. You can visualize them hanging on and trying to bail water at the same time to avoid sinking. And yet, Peter wants to rock the boat as he steps out of it! I’m assuming he’s the reason the others fell overboard. According to verse 32, they did fall in. It says, “When THEY climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.”

Peter is that friend who speaks and reacts quickly without thinking it through. Can you relate?

Peter had the faith to get out of the boat. But Peter’s focus turned back to the current situation and surroundings, so the result changed: he began to sink.

The story continues, verse 30-33: “Save me, Lord!” He shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshipped him. “You really are the son of God!” They exclaimed.

Like Peter, the same goes for us—spiritual growth doesn’t happen when the waters are calm. It happens when we trust Jesus enough to move, even if it means the boat rocks.

So yes, go ahead and rock the boat, then step out. The waves may rise, the wind may howl, and your faith may waver—but Jesus is already standing on the water, waiting for you. Don’t let fear keep you anchored.

Faith isn’t about staying balanced in the boat; it’s about walking toward the One who calms the storm.