By John Ortberg
This book was the winner of the 2002 Christianity Today Book award! - And is
well worth the read. The author invites
the reader to consider the potential that awaits outside your comfort
zone. Ortberg takes the reader step by
step through Peter’s walking on water experience helping the reader to develop
the necessary skills to do the same.
In the preface of the book Ortberg states
that he believes there is some aspect of our lives in which God is calling us
to walk with and to him, and that when we say yes to his calling it sets in
motion a dynamic that is beyond mere human power. Fortunately there are some essential skills
we can learn before we try “water walking”, this is a book that will help you
get out of the boat.
The book begins with a discussion of water
walking, the people who risk getting out of the boat and the boat potatoes, the
people who stay in the boat. Ortberg
tells the reader there are consequences with each decision but God’s promises
about water walking are worth the first step.
He uses scripture from Matthew to look at each part of the water walking skill. After having the courage to take the risk the walker needs the wisdom to discern the call. Each chapter focuses on learning a part of this new skill. Once we have discerned the call, there is the actual walking on the water. This is when we, like Peter, may see the wind and cry out in fear. Then there is the sinking which is stopped by focusing on Jesus. We also have to learn how to manage failure and decide “How big is our God?” How big is Christ in our lives?
He uses scripture from Matthew to look at each part of the water walking skill. After having the courage to take the risk the walker needs the wisdom to discern the call. Each chapter focuses on learning a part of this new skill. Once we have discerned the call, there is the actual walking on the water. This is when we, like Peter, may see the wind and cry out in fear. Then there is the sinking which is stopped by focusing on Jesus. We also have to learn how to manage failure and decide “How big is our God?” How big is Christ in our lives?
Ortberg leads us through this new skill by
focusing on each part of the water walking. He uses Bible references to illustrates how others have taken the risk
of getting out of the boat. He is like
any good coach; he explains what is needed and then gives us things to practice
so we build both the skill and our confidence.
The book is filled with humorous antidotes that make you want to read more
and help to keep the reader engaged when you are doing the hard work of
learning a new skill.
I highly recommend this book. The chapter on fear was one of my favorites
and one I reread. Also the chapter on
focusing on Jesus has practical ideas on how to make Jesus the focus in each
day.
If you would like to be part of a group who
will do a short study on this book, copies are available at the Saanich
Peninsula Presbyterian church. The group
will meet in January 2020 and we would like to welcome you. Watch this Blog for updates.
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