Changes

It's always a bit hard to come home from retreat weekend. It was yet another wonderful weekend full of prayer, soul-searching, relationship-building and stepping outside the old comfort zone. I come home ready to change my life. But once home, it doesn't take long to realize that things are still pretty much the same here...my resolve begins to fade and I am easily overwhelmed by how much needs done.
In Matthew 14:29-31, Peter is ready to try something new. He has just left from a retreat with Jesus and witnessed the awesome miracle of five loaves and two fish feeding more than five thousand people. He is pumped!
When Jesus calls to him to step out of his comfort-boat, Peter doesn't take the time to think about the logical possibilities. Out he goes! It doesn't take long for Peter to realize that he may be in over his head and begin to panic. He begins to sink and cries out to Jesus, who reaches out to steady him and lead him back to the boat.
Peter and I both need to get our eyes off the overwhelming circumstances, call out to Jesus, and rely on his power and strength. I can't make the necessary changes through self-control: I need God-control. All I need is the faith to take the first few steps and He will do the rest.