Get Out Of The Boat….But Stand On The Rock!
There are quite a few popular books that have been published recently expounding on the concept of getting out of the boat. However today, we are going to “kick it up a notch”. Getting out of the boat is the initial step. So what’s the next step? STANDING ON THE ROCK!!!
The basis for this perception of getting out of the boat is referenced in the book of St. Matthew 14:23-33. When we refer to this story we are informed that it is the fourth watch. (Just to summarize, the night was divided into time frames and each time frame was referred to as “a watch”.) Now, the fourth watch was the final watch. That’s when Jesus showed up! So today, because we are in the “final watch”…therefore, we can expect Jesus to show up in our situations – at any time. Look for Jesus! He will show up! (We’ll discuss this in detail at a later date.)
So, what does getting out of the boat entail? Basically, first, I must move beyond the arena where I know that I can excel; where I have already acquired a certain degree of knowledge and where I feel as though I can “tread the water”……my comfort zone! I must now begin to extend my faith and to venture into those areas within in me….that are still “uncharted waters”. As I explained in a previous lesson discover your “Untapped Potential”. I must step out of my boat…my own will; and now plunge into the mind of God and into the purpose that He has for my life. In other words….stand on the promises of God. He is our Rock.
To get out of the boat and to stand on the rock requires me to: maintain my focus, expand my fortitude and to anchor myself in the Word of God.
As I stand…like Peter, I must: Ask, Seek and Wait. Peter first asked, “Lord is it you?” Before you just jump out of the boat – know who is calling you! Next, always seek the face of God for instruction, wisdom and direction. Lastly, learn to Wait for the manifestation of His divine presence. Peter’s decision to advance out of the boat came after direct instructions from the voice of the Lord in response to his questions. Jesus told him specifically two things. Be not afraid and come.
Today, we are still being instructed to: take courage, be not afraid, get out of the boat…..but to stand on the Rock. I am reminded of two hymns (for those of you who still remember what there are!). The first is, “In Times Like These”. The chorus (the vamp) said, “Be sure, be very sure your anchor holds and grips that solid Rock”. The other hymn is, “My Hope is Built”.
My Hope is built on nothing less; Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name
On Christ the solid rock I stand; ALL other ground is sinking sand!
Lastly, to get out of the boat and stand on the rock I must have: a made up mind (Philippians 2:5); more persistence (I Corinthians 15:58), and above all an expressed level of unwavering faith (Hebrews 11:6).
In Times Like These
Words and Music by Ruth Caye Jones
In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure; Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these you need the Bible, In times like these O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure, Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
In times like these I have a Savior, In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure, My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
Chorus
This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One; This Rock is Jesus, the only One!
Be very sure, be very sure,Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!
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