Stepping Out of the Boat

Lantern Row Newsletter | February 2023 | www.rynejungling.com

Stepping Out of the Boat

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. - Matthew 14:28-29

Five loaves and two fish fed over five thousand people in the hands of Jesus. His miraculous work after teaching the crowd led him to spend time with himself and God. His disciples had taken him to a secluded place and then got back in their boat and were in the middle of the sea.

The winds and the waves arose, and a storm rose over the sea. They'd been there before, a massive storm tossing and turning the boat while Jesus took a nap. But this time, Jesus wasn't there. A number of the disciples were fishermen by trade, but the storm was raging still.

Then they saw him. Jesus, their teacher and rabbi, walked out to their boat on the stormy waters. They'd seen him do some amazing things during their time together, but their minds must've been blown when they saw his feet on top of the waves. Peter, ever bold in his requests, asked Jesus to command him to come out to Jesus.

"Come," Jesus said.

I've always wondered what that first step was like for Peter.

Was it a step of confidence from the safety of the wooden boat onto the waves? Or was it a tentative step, like one that I take whenever I step onto an icy sidewalk?

Regardless of the method of the step, Peter took it. And then Peter was walking on the water - the second person in history to ever do so. Peter started walking out to Jesus, just as he asked and Jesus commanded.

Peter had faith that what Jesus commanded was true. Sure, Peter got distracted by the wind and the waves, but Jesus saved him even when that happened. Peter still was the one that was bold and took the step.

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Over the past four years, I've wondered how God was going to use our family and all that we've gone through in losing Anders. We've had countless opportunities to share our story - both online and in-person. I've written over 50 blog posts. There have been podcast interviews and news stories. A scholarship has been established in honor of Anders with numerous fundraisers that others are hosting in order to raise funds for Mandan students.

Throughout the entire time, I've spent time in prayer seeking the Lord's will for my life and for our family. Today, I am standing at the edge of the boat and Jesus is calling me onto the water.

Three weeks ago I was offered and accepted a full-time position as the Area Director for the Bismarck-Mandan/Central Area in North Dakota for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes!

During my last two years of high school and three years of college, I was involved with FCA as a student leader. When I came to Mandan High in 2010, I helped lead FCA with two other teachers for 10 years. My move into a position at the district level took me away from FCA for the last three years but I am jacked to now move into this full-time position with FCA.

The transition to FCA does mean that I am leaving the Mandan Public School district at the end of this school year. Mandan is the only job I've known as an adult and I am going to miss all of the wonderful people that I've gotten to know over the last 13 years.

But I am super excited about partnering with others to impact the lives of coaches and athletes for the Gospel.

There is more to share about how this all came to be, and that's something that I'll share moving forward. But for now, please pray for me over the next few months that I finish my work with Mandan Public Schools well and prepare well for my work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. - Matthew 14:28-29

Recommendation:

Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A: How Faith, Cows, and Chicken Built an Iconic Brand by Steve Robinson

Last year I had a goal to read one book per month. I know for many of you, that's not that many. In fact, you might already be on book 2 or 3 of February right now. But for me, that's a big step towards reading more. Some of the books I read last year were physical books, while others were on Audible.

Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A was my first book of 2023. The audiobook is great, read by the author Steve Robinson - a longtime marketing executive with Chick-fil-A. If you are a fan of their sandwiches, waffle fries, lemonade, or service this is a book that you should read.

If you are a believer and want to be encouraged as to how a follower of Jesus can run a business, this is a must.

If you are a business owner or leader in any capacity and want examples of how great leaders lead, this one's for you, too!

It's an all-around great book and a good story about one of the most recognizable brands in the United States today.

Scripture Verse:

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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