Only Peter

Only Peter
I was thinking about Peter. I think I would have gotten along well with him. I am talking about Peter, the disciple of Jesus. It seems like he was always speaking before thinking, making mistakes then kicking himself for it... just like me. But wow....what a lesson his life has taught me this week...
So often we look at people living for the Lord and think, "eh...that's alright for them, but I am going to stay here where it's safe and comfortable. But good for them! That's just not really for me."
Have you ever really thought about when Peter walked on the water? I know I have, but recently I have thought of it in a whole new light: The other 11 disciples were in the boat. They could have gotten out and walked on water too. But they decided to stay where it was safe... however, Peter was the one who stepped out in faith, literally. And it hit me... HE is the ONLY ONE on the entire face of the earth that actually knows what it feels like to walk on water!!!!!!!! How exhilirating that must have been!!!! The ones who stayed in their safe haven never received that unique blessing. Yes, Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink. BUT PETER WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO EVEN TRIED. And...even though he faltered, he THEN got to experience Jesus literally reaching down and physically pulling him up out of the murky water. What an experience!!!!!!!! I bet the other disciples kicked themselves for not trying.
I know I have watched other people and seen what they enjoy and then regret not also trying. I dont want to "not try" for the Lord... man... so many people think living for the Lord isn't "comfortable" .... they're right. It's EXHILARATING!!!! Yeah, of course there are the hard times. But, like Peter, without taking those steps of faith, we won't ever have the opportunity for those unique blessings that only come through "risk." Although, with Christ - I would call it a step of faith more than a risk.
Don't be one of the 11 in the boat!!!! EXPERIENCE GOD!!!!!!! SERVE HIM!!!!!!! Don't look back at this short life and regret what you didn't do for God.

5/18/06