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Book Review of If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat
reviewed on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


John Ortbergs, If You Want to Walk on Water Youve Got to Get out of the Boat, provides a fresh look at Peters water walking scene found in Matthew 14: 25-32. Basically we find ourselves in either one of two positions in the boat or walking the water. While being in the boat offers a certain level of comfort and security, it also brings about limitations and stagnation in our experiences with Christ. Ortberg points out the high cost of staying in the boat which includes the loss of the following: self esteem, joy, destiny, authentic intimacy, and availability to God. Just as Jesus invitation to come was not just to Peter, He has extended the invitation to all believers to get out of our boat. The author doesnt suggest undertaking reckless risk but presents a balance between risk taking and discerning Jesus call to come. I got so many helpful nuggets from this book and would definitely recommend it to others. Some of my favorite quotes were:
The death of hope paralyzes the spirit.
Fear makes people bury the treasure God has given them.
Peter didn't ask for a guarantee, just an opportunity.
What God does in us while we wait is as important as what we are waiting for.
Chapter titles include:
1.) on Water-Walking 2.) Boat Potatoes 3.) Discerning the Call 4. )Walking on the Water 5.) Seeing the Wind 6.) Crying out in Fear 7.) That Sinking Feeling 8. )Focusing on Jesus 9.) Learning to Wait 10.) How Big is Your God?