Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons

T. Suzanne Eller

When I was a little girl, my father decided it was time for me to learn how to swim. He took me by an arm and leg, swung me high, and tossed me into the lake. I landed in the water with a splash, popping my small head up like a turtle, coughing and sputtering. Somehow, I dog-paddled to shore.

This was how my dad’s father had taught him to swim, and so he thought it was the best way to teach me. Personally, I believe a pair of floaties would have been helpful.

Perhaps Peter felt the same way in Matthew 14. The waves from an impending storm were already rocking the disciples’ boat when Peter suddenly saw someone walking toward them on the water. The other men were terrified, but Peter leaned in closer.

It was Jesus!

“Don’t be afraid,” Jesus called out.

“If it’s You, tell me to come to You,” Peter replied.

“Come,” Jesus said.

Peter leapt out of the boat. But within seconds, reality hit. Peter couldn’t walk on water, much less swim in the cascading waves. In terror, he cried out, “Save me!” Jesus reached out His hand and caught him, and together they made their way to safety.

We tend to focus on Peter’s fear when we read this story, but what about his faith? Peter wasn’t certain of his own abilities. He wasn’t sure how to overcome the waves. He simply jumped into the water because Jesus bid him come.

There are times in my own life when I have heard my Savior invite me to step out of the boat: Trust Me in this. Don’t look at the waves; look at Me. I’m not going to let you sink. But I am afraid. I am aware of my limitations. I see the challenges, and I experience the obstacles once I’m in the water. Yet, I also know that the outcome isn’t dependent on my ability, but on my obedience to His call.

The difference between my earthly father—whom I love in spite of the fact that he threw me into a lake without benefit of floaties—and my heavenly Daddy, is that I am never left to dog-paddle alone to shore. Jesus is right there with me. To teach me. To help me through the rougher waves. To remind me of Who to trust when I feel ill equipped.

Perhaps you feel Jesus calling you to a swim lesson—to go deeper in your relationships, in your faith, in ministry—and discover a new level of trust as you leap out of the boat.

So take the risk—jump!

Jesus is there, His arms open wide. He’s your Savior, and He knows exactly what you can do with a swim lesson or two.

Lord, I feel You calling me to deeper waters. I’ve held back out of fear. Help me to take my eyes off the obstacles and place my focus on You. Thank You for lessons that allow me to reach for Your strong arms and trust in Your plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Success isn’t always about how fast you reach the shore; it’s trusting that in the midst of the waves He’ll help you find the way.

REFLECT

What is one swim lesson Jesus is teaching you right now? How are you responding?

RESPOND

Put your toes in the water. Write down one realistic small step that you can take today to go deeper in your relationships, in your faith, or in ministry.

POWER VERSES

Isaiah 41:13; Isaiah 43:2