Beyond Camp Student EditionSample

Get Out of the Boat

A terrible breakup. Scholarship applications. Friend drama. Constant fighting with your parents or siblings. These are tough, uncomfortable, even scary situations. We’ve all been there.

The disciples faced difficult times too. One night while out on a boat, high winds stirred up the lake, making it difficult to row, as it’s described in Matthew 14:24. Undoubtedly, the men were tired and scared.

But in the midst of their trouble, they saw Jesus. Though He looked like a ghost to them, there He was, their teacher and friend, walking on the water! And although the winds and waves were something fierce, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, asked, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you.”

Though you probably won’t see Him the way the disciples saw Him walking on the water, Jesus is present in the midst of your challenges as well.

Maybe your version of a stormy sea is standing up to bullying. Maybe your boat in the middle of the waves is doubting anyone could love you. Or maybe your inability to row is really your struggle to break an addiction.

Go to Jesus. Get out of the boat. Get out of the situation that’s breaking you down and tearing you apart. Just as Peter called to Jesus asking Him to allow the seemingly impossible, so too you can call out to Jesus.

“Yes, come,” Jesus told Peter. He’s telling you to come as well.

Written by Matthew Bown, Camp Philip

What “boat” would you benefit from leaving? How will your life look different if you go to Jesus instead of staying stuck in your situation?

Dear Jesus, You have the power to walk on water in the midst of raging storms. You have the power to hold me during mine. Let me come to You.