When Obedience Takes You Beyond Your Expertise

Matthew 14:22–32 NLT

22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

Obedience: compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.

Expertise: expert skill or knowledge in a particular field

When I am beyond my expertise, I can no longer be self reliant.

When I am no longer self reliant, I must rely on someone else.

When I rely on someone else, I am no longer in control.

When I am no longer in control, I must trust the one on whom I am relying.

This is a situation the Bible calls faith.

Hebrews 11:1 NET

1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.