“A Risk Worth Taking”

Date: 7/27/2011
Speaker: Pastor Johnny Moore

     Have you ever tried walking on water? Sounds like a rather risky thing to do, doesn’t it? Especially when you’re in the middle of the lake, in the middle of the storm, in the middle of the night! Well, Peter, that eager disciple of Jesus, thought it was “a risk worth taking.” You see, Peter was in a “comfort zone.” It was while sitting in the boat that he realized to get out of his comfort zone, into the arms of Jesus, would be a risky thing to do. It could cost him his pride, his friends, or maybe even his life, but he came to the conclusion that it was “a risk worth taking.”

     Are you in a comfort zone today? There’s a way out, but you will have to take a R.I.S.K. (Read Matthew 14:22-23).

     R - Recognize the Need for a Change: Verse 26 says that “When his disciples saw Him...they were troubled” (to stir or agitate). Sometimes the “contrary winds” of life (verse 24) cause us to discover that we have allowed ourselves to move into a “comfort zone.” The first step to coming out is to recognize the need for a change.

I - Identify the Voice: Before we just jump out, it is important to know who is bidding us to “come.” Peter didn’t ask for a sign or put out a fleece; he simply asked to hear the voice of the one calling. He knew if it was Jesus, he would recognize His voice. “Lord, if this is you, then give me your word” (verse 28).

S - Stand Alone if Necessary: Verse 29 says, “...And when Peter was come down…” When you decide to step out of the “comfort zone,” don’t expect everyone to be excited about going with you. You must be willing to stand alone if necessary.

K - Keep Your Eyes on Jesus: The winds of the storms of life will not cause you to sink, but losing sight of Jesus will.

The safest place to be is not in the boat (your comfort zone), but it is wherever Jesus is. Are you restless or dissatisfied with the present or maybe hungry for a fresh move of God in your life? Then go ahead, step out of your comfort zone and into the arms of Jesus, and you will discover it to be “A Risk Worth Taking”!

 

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