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Oct 12, 2023 06:00am

Lessons from the Lake

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“During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”
Matthew 14:25 (NIV)

Growing up a few casts from the lake in Clinton made for many lake lessons. From home to the water was about the length of time it took to eat a MoonPie. (For you youngsters, that’s akin to a protein bar, only loaded with sugar.)

My Dad’s mastery of boating, no doubt, was due in part to his naval training as a Coxswain delivering Marines to the beach for battle. I’m sure he felt that his family certainly didn’t “fall in line” around water like his accomplished fellow sailors. One thing for sure, whether it was fishing, water skiing, or swimming, laughter and togetherness were always the outcome, along with a few too many sunburns!

It makes perfect sense that our Heavenly Father utilized the lake setting for one of his many classrooms. After all, master teachers connect learning to shared interests and rich environments.

So…what’s the takeaway?

You gotta get out of the boat (wearing a life jacket, of course) to get a different perspective (God’s).
You make a decision on the front end (bow or stern, I forget) to contribute to making the experience profitable, even if the fish aren’t biting and the weather doesn’t cooperate (perseverance).
Expect detours in your plan. After all, adjustments to what unfolds at the lake become the plan (faith).
Learning from the lake is always an adventure and enjoyed more deeply with others (grace in community).

Deep down we’ve all imagined the water-walking experience. But, sadly, we tend to merely dangle our toes in the shallows. God invites us all to grow spiritually and not through “boats” of our own making. Note to self – don’t resemble one of the eleven remaining in the boat on the Sea of Galilee.

Instead, move past the stagnant shallows follow Jesus into the deep. You might just set in motion a divine directive or “calling” that lessons from the lake have prompted. Once His purposes are clear and your heart is surrendered, your path might just lead to some deeper faith walks beyond the boat.