I like Peter. And for all the wrong reasons.

When I was younger and first exploring Christianity, I didn't feel perfect. I would read about folks in scripture and never imagine living up to those standards. But Peter…

Peter put his foot in his mouth. I'm sure he had moments where he got both of them in there. He was impulsive and always wanting to be at the center. I imagine what life would be like with him. Peter strikes me as the constant "little brother" of the disciples…or that younger cousin everyone always rolls their eyes at.

And I absolutely love him.

This week, we are looking at one of my favorite stories about Peter. And it is classic Peter.

But it teaches us a really crucial lesson about discipleship.

We have to get out of the boat.

Read this story real quick.

Jesus Walks on Water 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. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed. Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

Peter doesn't really seem as freaked out as the rest of the disciples. Instead, he is typical Peter. Rushing headlong into what's going on. But it's admirable. Peter rushes towards Jesus. He doesn't really stop to process what all is going on. In the middle of his "peterness", he realizes that the storm hasn't exactly stopped and he is now out of the boat.

Jesus takes care of it.

And Jesus wants us to know two things.

1. We need to get out of the boat.
2. His world lives around our world, and he can totally rescue us from it.

But we have to get out of the boat.