Successful Failure

Read Matthew 14:22-33

If you have ever watched the TV show "Jeopardy" you know that there are some people out there who have a vast knowledge of a lot of things. I fear I would make a fool of myself on a program like that. The people on the show may have similar fears but they have worked hard to get to the point where they can fail! The risks are not as great as the potential rewards.

As a follower of Christ, I want to be a successful failure like Peter was when he tried to walk on water. When he started to sink, Matthew 14:31 tells us he cried out to Jesus and, "Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?""

Peter was the ONLY disciple that got out of the boat to try and walk on water. The rest were probably thinking something like, "I wish I had asked," or "I don't know if I would want to be in Peter's sandals right now" or "you aren't going to catch me doing something that."

Peter floundered. Jesus indicates He actually chose to look around at the waves and wind, rather than continue to keep his eyes on Him (the key to spiritual success). But Peter wouldn't have chanced failure if he hadn't launched out in the first place.

If you want to insure that you will never fail in an endeavor for the Lord, don't ever act in faith or launch out on the water. But if you want to see God do great and mighty things, you are going to have trust Him when it may seem illogical. You have to take the chance of getting your feet wet to learn to walk on water!

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Contributed by Michael Ullrich: mike@in-his-steps.com Michael has served in pastoral ministry since 1979. His weekly devotional column appears in numerous newspapers, magazines and online publications, as well as on his Web site. He and his wife, Bonita, have seven children.