Between Box Jumps and a Boat

So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” - Matthew 14:29-32 (ESV)

Behold the box jump. A platform used to work on reaching different heights while strengthening your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. Its benefits are significant, such as increasing your power, burning more calories, and increasing your jump range[i].

When I first started going to the gym, these things terrified me. They still do. All you have to do is jump, propel yourself slightly forward, and land on the box. It’s really simple, but fear keeps me from doing it. I’d much rather step up slowly and secure a safer landing.

I can confidently jump on the littlest box. The medium and large ones are terrifying. I’ve seen people my height do any and all of them. As for me, no thank you. The bigger the jump, the greater the risk.

What if my feet land on the edge of the box and I fall backwards?

What if I fall before I land?

What if I fall as I land?

What if I misstep and don’t stick the landing?

What if I hit my leg on the box?

One of my trainers recently called me out on taking the easy way out. I was supposed to do box jumps, but intentionally went for step-ups. I wouldn’t have as effective of a workout, but I’d at least be moving. My trainer knew my abilities. She wanted me to reach my full potential during my workout. It’d involve greater risk, but the results would be much better for my body.

So I decided to do the jumps. My trainer spotted me, just in case I’d fall or get hurt. I was reassured, but still fearful. (She was smaller than me. I didn’t want to somehow hurt us both!) I wasn’t perfect, but I didn’t fall. I didn’t hurt myself. I was okay. I made it out alive and well.

At that moment, I felt a lot like Peter when Jesus called him to walk on the water. Peter pursued Jesus. He took a risk and stepped out in faith, but when he looked to the wind, he began to sink. He panicked. Yet Jesus was right there, always near, always ready to catch Peter. 

Jesus calls us to do the same thing that my trainer asked of me: to go beyond our comfort zones and take the jump. To trust him no matter the outcome. The risk may be greater, but so is the result.

Even though I can see where to land on a box jump, I don’t always get that when acting in obedience to God. I need my faith to push me forward, fully trusting that I’ll land exactly where God wants me to be.

Notice how the wind ceased completely when Peter was with Jesus. When we encounter him and remain in his presence, our problems may not disappear, but our fear of them does. He gives us perfect peace to endure and persevere through the storms. We just need to look to him, not to the wind.

Like my trainer, Jesus was spotting Peter. Even when Peter lost sight of Jesus, he never left. When Peter started to sink, Jesus kept him from drowning. Jesus called his disciple to do more, in faith, because he knew what his friend was capable of. Not by Peter’s own strength, but with the power of Jesus himself.

I wonder how much of our callings are held back by fear. Not just a fear of injury, but of failure, rejection, or even our reputations. Did we forget that God always had a plan? Did we forget that he alone is our source, our protection, our provider?

We can step out in faith and do what we were afraid to do, regardless of what storms come our way. Don’t look at the problems. Just Jesus. No matter what obstacles or circumstances are in the way, Jesus’ plan – his good plan – will always prevail.

Peter walked on the water and Jesus sustained him until they made it back to the boat. He promises to do the same for us.

Maybe you want to start a small group or a faith-based podcast. Maybe you want to quit your high-paying job to pursue a career in ministry. Or maybe you lack the courage to share the gospel with someone who is far from God. I believe that Jesus is with you and he will equip you for all that he has called you to do. Take the risk. God wouldn’t call you to something only to lead you to a barren land. He’s going to provide for you and protect you.

Jesus was with Peter on the water and in the boat. He is with me as I do my box jumps, as I write, as I share the Good News, and as I do whatever he asks of me. Jesus didn’t call his people to live predictably. Take the jump, my friend, knowing he is with you and he will protect you. He didn’t let Peter sink and he won’t let you fall.

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References:

i. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/box-jump