Being sure-footed is all about being confident and feeling capable. It’s where we feel the most secure. We know where we stand. We know where we are. Where do you feel most sure-footed? In what locations, situations, or relationships?

When John Ortberg wrote If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat about 10 years ago, he focused on how our faith and trust in God can deepen significantly when we step into the risky waters of  faith. He makes some excellent points, but let’s back up a step…because some of us are still standing on the shore.

To be honest, most of us are probably standing on the shore in at least some areas of our lives. We’re sure-footed on the shore. The boat doesn’t rock. Waves don’t move us. We learned to walk in our early lives. We didn’t learn to trust the uncertain movements of the boat.

What are you facing right now that is uncertain? How are you feeling prompted to step out in faith and trust? How would you describe your approach to the uncertainty? Are you anticipating an adventure or dreading potential disaster?

If God’s prompting you to step out in faith – even when you’re unsure of the steps you’re about to take (after all, isn’t that what faith is?!) – there won’t be disaster. I’m not going to sugar-coat it. You might experience a storm, you might swallow large gulps of water. You might get cold and wet and uncomfortable. But the end result will not be disaster if you’re stepping out in faith. And you’ll likely have an adventure along the way!

You’ll have to leave the sure-footedness of the shore. You’ll have to leave some level of certainty of what you’re familiar with…settling into a boat that sways and drifts or taking steps on the dark and unlevel ground under the water. But God knows the waves, wind and currents. He knows every detail of the water’s floor. And God knows your uncertainty and apprehension.

God also knows your obedience.

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said.  So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith, Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:27-31

Being sure-footed is all about being confident and feeling capable. It’s where we feel the most secure. We know where we stand. We know where we are.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22