Dancing Shoes
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Matthew 14:22-33
Insight
It boggles my mind that there have been 30 seasons of Dancing with the Stars. But, then again, I'm one of the reasons for the rating success of a show. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I must confess I tune into this show from time to time. What pulls people like me in is the appeal of witnessing borderline celebrities being entirely out of their element. Granted, I tune in and play the "where do I know them from" game with my wife, where we Google the "celebrity" to figure out who they are and how they achieved their notoriety.
But, here's the funny thing. Thirty minutes later, I'm still watching the show. Maybe it's because I have two left feet, but I admire people who are willing to embrace the struggle, step out of their comfort zone, and step into the unknown.
An actress struggles to learn the waltz. A football player tangles with the tango. A singer screws up the salsa. Their movements are stiff, and they always seem to be a step behind their partner. Fatigue and frustration set in as they attempt to master something so unnatural to them. But, they continue to dance and put one foot in front of the other.
On numerous occasions, my wife suggested we take a dance class together. My reaction was, "no way." I made excuses. The lessons would be a frivolous expense in our shoestring budget. Second, dance class would be another activity to squeeze into our already busy schedule. Third, I look horrible in sequins.
My excuses were doubt in disguise. I doubted I could ever move from awkwardness to gracefulness. I questioned whether it was possible to progress from counting the steps in my heard to moving effortlessly on the dance floor.
The real reason I didn't want to put on my dancing shoes was to protect myself from embarrassment. If I never attempted it, there was zero chance of tripping over my own feet or clumsily stepping on my wife's toes.
Sadly, my hesitation in learning how to two-step is a direct result of my tendency to throw in the towel when things get challenging. Like everyone else, I naturally choose comfort and routine over faith, struggle, and the unknown.
Yet, I lost out on so much more in making the easy and safe choice. I never conquered my fear. I never learned how to dance. I never got to see my wife's face light up. All because I wasn't willing to take that first step.
When it comes to our walk with God, we often exchange adventure, intimacy, growth, and transformation for the friendly confines of comfort. Due to our insecurities, we pursue security and safety. We forget who our dance partner is and the security of letting them lead and guide our steps.
The only dancing taking place is the one with doubt. We go back and forth, stepping on our own feet as we ponder all the "what if's," "what about's" and "how will this work out?" Excuses and protesting keep us offbeat.
We ask for more faith when we need to act on the faith we already possess. Our issue isn't a lack of confidence but rather unwillingness to work on it. Doubt will paralyze us if we refuse to make the first decision based on what we think may happen due to the 4th, 5th, or 6th decision down the road. We must take the first step for us ever to progress and experience God's faithfulness. The proceeding steps along the path are in the future. But, we can never get there if we don't make the first move presented to us today.
Some of the questions and doubts we have will not be discovered or answered until we bow a knee to Christ and find He is a sure foundation for every step we take. This only occurs when we are willing to step out on the dance floor and learn how to boogie.
Reflection
Identify a place or situation where you are hesitant to take the first step in faith because you are worried and concerned about how the following steps will unfold. What is driving this hesitation?
What is your next right step of faith when it comes to this situation?
Prayer
God, I desire to act on the faith I possess. I want my relationship with You to center on trust. Therefore, instead of looking to control every situation or standing still until I know how every card will fall, may I take that next step of obedience. In your name, Jesus. Amen.