Reckless Confidence
Scripture Reading — Matthew 14:22-33
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
My daughter loved jumping into the swimming pool before she could swim. I spent many hours catching her as she hurled herself into the water with wild abandon. In one sense her behavior was completely reckless, jumping into a situation that could end her life. In reality, there was no risk at all. I would do anything to ensure her safety. Perfect love drives out fear. She trusted that her life was secure in my hands, so she played with the kind of reckless confidence that should inspire us all.
That same reckless faith allowed Peter to get out of a boat and walk on water toward Jesus. It is the faith that allows Christians to live boldly against the norms and values of their surrounding culture in order to serve Jesus more faithfully. It is the faith of missionaries who leave the securities of home to bring the gospel to an unfamiliar place, sometimes far away.
Though we may find it hard to jump in over our heads, we must. If we cower in fear instead of jumping recklessly into the Father’s hands, we miss out on growing stronger in faith, trusting that God’s hands will always support us as we follow his leading. Our faith grows and our fear shrinks every time we jump and experience the faithful support of God’s ready hands.
Lord, give us the faith to get out of the boat of our own security and to trust in you. May our faith grow as we fol-low you beyond our personal comfort zone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Rob Jansons
Rob Jansons is the pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Monroe, Washington, where he has served for almost twenty years. He and his wife, Sue, have been married since 1989 and have three daughters. Rob spends time each year in Calcutta, India, working with a Christian ministry to children living in slums. He enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, camping with his family, reading, writing, and being a pastor.
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