Day 16 - Walking on Water

by Jamie Bosworth

Matthew 14:22-33

Friday evening was crisp and cool when we returned home from watching high school

football. Our son had joined the team earlier that year. He was a junior and had previously played soccer. The program was demanding. Weight training before classes, spring practice, a weeklong summer camp at a remote facility and with the season underway, daily rigorous training. The team was one of the best in the state for its division. Expectations were high for another attempt at a state championship. Our son had risen to the challenge. He was devoted to the team and yet facing new challenges. He returned home a short while after us. His pads were off, and he was still wearing his uniform. His uniform was clean because he had not played. With tears, he shared with me his intense discouragement. We were three games into the season. He had not missed any scheduled training or requirements, yet he had not gotten to play. It was one of those profound moments as a dad where I felt I had so much to share but knew it was my time to listen. He openly was sharing his pain, and I took it in. He wasn’t complaining, he was dejected and heartbroken. As we hugged, I tried to offer him the encouragement to persevere. For me, it was a moment where words alone seem to fall short of consoling someone’s soul.

The next morning, I went for a run down a dirt road near our home. It winds through

hundreds of acres of undeveloped land. The beauty and stillness offer an opportunity to converse with God undisturbed. And converse I did!

So far as a dad, I had chosen not to interfere with my children’s sports coaches. I

viewed my role as an encourager. This time felt much different. I sensed God’s prompting to meet with the coach. Frankly, I was not comfortable with the idea of arranging a meeting. The coach was a deeply respected football leader. “How would he respond to a father’s interference?” I wondered. “Would I be hurting my son more than helping?” These were the thoughts I was having. As I was heading back home through the woods, I grew more confident God was nudging me to reach out to the coach. And then the small still voice stated to me, “When you meet with him, I want you to pray with him.” What……..?????? I was stunned, yet knew HE was speaking. Talking with the coach is one thing… BUT… praying? “How is the coach going to handle that?” My fearful thoughts were dancing through all sorts of possibilities.

It was an “Are you willing to step out of the boat?” moment for me. When the disciples were “terrified” as they saw Jesus walking on the water, Jesus said, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

It was my time to trust and not fear. I came home and shared this revelation with my wife. She encouraged me to follow through. I called the coach that Saturday morning and we met in his office. He was gracious and intently listened as I shared my son’s story.  And yes, I asked, and he welcomed me to pray with him. Beautiful. My son played in the next game. Grateful!

Back to our story in Matthew: As Peter started to sink, “Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31) When Jesus invites us to step out of the boat, in whatever part of your story that may appear, we can be assured He is there to lend a helping hand! Be encouraged!