If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat: 10 Lessons to Trusting God

John Ortberg's, 'If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat' is not new. In fact, since its publication in 2001, it's probably been read by hundreds of thousands of people in the United States (including, I imagine, most of Ortberg's Menlo Park, California, congregation who probably have personalised autographed copies) and around the world thanks to Amazon and other distribution networks.So, what's it about? Well, the title gives us the gist. This is a book about walking, water and boats. But with a bit more information, as in: 'If you want to be Jesus' disciple (and walk on water), you've got to get out of your boat', we're getting closer to the heart of the matter. Yet questions remain. For instance, why would anyone want to walk on water and isn't that dangerous? What if I just stay put? Will I ever get back into the boat? And will I have to leave it again anytime soon? It's time to turn to the Bible for answers and this is Ortberg's intention, of course.Based on Matthew 14: 22-32 (see parallels Mark 6:45-52; John 6: 16-21) Ortberg expounds what is, in his opinion, '... the most unforgettable walk of all' (p. 9). Following the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus sends his disciples across the lake in a boat. Some time later in the middle of the night, a terrible storm breaks out and the disciples begin to fear for their lives. They see a figure coming towards them. Is it a ghost? No, it's Jesus passing by. He calls out: "Take Courage! It's me. Don't be afraid". Then Peter does a remarkable thing. He replies, "Lord if it's you tell (command) me to come to you on the water". Jesus says, "Come". Peter gets down and immediately experiences God's boundless power for a few moments until he thinks of the wind, loses faith and starts to sink. Fortunately, in another extraordinary move, Jesus prevents Peter drowning by stretching out his hand. They both get into the boat and the wind dies down. Imagine what the other disciples said and thought after all that! They'd seen the true Son of God and rightly started worshipping him. But, this is more than an incredible story. Indeed, it's a sermon, a sermon series and a book in the making about many of Ortberg's favourite topics: trust, faith, growth, maturity, strength, courage, waiting and learning (through Jesus).Chapter 1--'On Water-Walking'--is a well-written yet curious thing. Ortberg sets out to explain what goes into making a water-walker (essentially, if you intend to defy physics then you'd better know what's involved in getting out of the boat) by giving us 'an arial overview' of the entire book. This is a good schema-activating technique but who's going to be motivated to read further when you know what's coming next? Well, me because I need to find out what my personal boat (defined as, the thing that produces fear in me, especially when I think of leaving it behind and stepping out in faith (p. 17)) is. Clearly, there's more to explain.Here are the main directions in Chapters two to ten as I don't want to spoil your reading:Chapter 2 assesses the drawbacks of not getting out of our boats and the great benefits of using our God-given gifts to the fullest.Chapter 3 asks how clear are we about our sense of calling to work for and with God. We need to get out of our boats with discernment and wisdom, not on an impulse.Chapter 4 describes and explains the necessary risk-taking involved in walking on the water.Chapter 5 teaches that resiliency in the face of life's problems leads to the development of control and the demonstration of initiative in our lives.Chapter 6 explains that fear and worry weaken and prevent us from trusting and obeying God.Chapter 7 illustrates that failure can be a great motivator in making us stronger, more vigorous and more courageous.Chapter 8 is about the hope that keeps us focussed on Jesus. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13). Let's think about something better that's to come.Chapter 9 reasons and illustrates that waiting (on the Lord) requires patient trust, confident humility and quietness.Chapter 10 advocates worship as an expression of understanding of who God is and what he is doing in our lives.My recommendationThe in-cover praise for 'If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat' is highly complementary. The adjectives used to describe Ortberg's writing include: engaging, humorous, clear, compelling, honest, practical, insightful, motivating, profound, winsome and challenging. I'd say all of these things apply in one way or another depending, of course, on where we start. For my part, I think this book has helped me identify some issues in my discipleship journey (my personal boats, if you will) I can work on and I think many others can usefully do the same. So, this book is worth a read, but take my advice and skip over some parts of the text that are in my opinion bent out of shape to fit the 'humour'.Blog | [...]Facebook | [...]

This book has been one that has inspired, convicted and pushed me. Take the leap!

Great read. Set a fire into you heart.

It's okay, but if there is "pop psychology", then this sort of "pop religion" to me. I prefer scholars, such as Thomas Merton, or M. Scott Peck, who don't pretend to "know" unknowable things, but can examine the ineffable with spiritual intelligence and humility, rather than present their dogma/opinion as "What's what". I find it a bit off-putting for someone to claim to know what God "thinks" or "feels." Doing one's best to simply follow Christ (or Buddha, etc.) in a simple life probably does more good and less harm than trying to set oneself up as a guru who can "walk on water" and tell others "what's what." I'm sure it has an audience and a place where it does good and helps people who are somewhere on the continuum of cognitive/moral development (Piaget-Kohlberg). It's just not my cup of tea. I did enjoy reading "Everybody's Normal 'Till You Get to Know Them", but so far, that's the only one that's spoken to me at all. I tried a couple of others, but was disappointed. I believe that every person has their own relationship, and unique path, to God - and that their right to that is one of the most basic rights a human being can have.

It did not explain it was not the full version of the book. My error for thinking years ago when it was purchased that it could be with it being so small.

With over 365 "fear not" verses in the Bible - one for everyday of the year - it is evident that God has something to say to us on the subject of fear.In a passionate and engaging discussion of the biblical story of Matthew 14, Ortberg in his book If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat, uses the example of Peter walking on the water to speak to the issues of how to face our fears and experience the power of God, as we trust Him to do things beyond what we could imagine.Utilizing his skill as a storyteller, Ortberg weaves the truth of God's word into the fabric of our daily lives with humorous stories and clever insight. In fact don't be surprised if you often find yourself relating to quite a few of the stories and illustrations Ortberg uses to challenge his reader to get out of the boat and do what Jesus calls you to do even though you are very afraid.Whatever your boat is, you will find this book delivers practical application and encouragement for the water-walker who chooses to step outside their comfort zone and trust God for great and mighty things. While this may sound grandiose, I believe Ortberg's approach is based in reality, noting that we should expect a few waves to slap us in the face, as he mentions, "failure comes with the territory - but so does the strong hand of Jesus pulling you up when the bottom drops out."Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, this book is a must read. Not only will you meet Christ anew in the high sea where the footing is impossible, but you will be refreshed by truth of knowing that you are not alone in your journey.

This book changed my life. Need to be reenergized? This is the book for you!

Great book

... Well, not hopelessly weak. John Ortberg has great fun unpacking the story of Peter walking on water in detail. It's just that sometimes points are driven hope by his obviously huge personality and brilliant illustrations rather than convincingly unpacked from Scripture. That, of course, can be a very dangerous thing; and from time to time I wasn't sure that his point and God's point were the same.Having said that, he mostly guards himself from that danger, and the book is so practically helpful that it will make a real difference to my life and my Christian ministry. It has encouraged me in a powerful way to be bold in trusting God, rather than being too cautious to dare to do anything.One particular point that will stick with me was a chapter that focussed on King David and his days living in the cave - the overwhelming frustrations and feeling of God's absence, yet trusting God and doing right by him even then.Thank you John Ortberg for your thoughtful insights and encouragement.

The author takes us on a path to trusting in God, looking in detail at the Biblical anecdote about Peter walking to Jesus on the water. It's inspirational, encouraging, and helpful. The author uses the passage metaphorically for Christian believers today, in the sense of leaving our comfortable safety zones and walking with God into potentially difficult circumstances.It's well-written with interesting anecdotes and clear Scriptural references. Re-reading it nearly ten years after the first time, I found it challenging and thought-provoking, yet accessible to anyone. Definitely recommended.

this is such an excellent book by a great writer. it is challenging from page one BUT for benefit you need to read it again to let the material sink in. the questions posed are relevant and up to date. they certainly make you look at your life and what you are doing with it. it is not a book for those who want an easy comfortable read but will certainly - if used as I believe the writer intended - have you on your knees before God. well worth purchasing.

It's been a while now since i read the book. Very easy text to read, and full of wisdom and tips on how to behave, so's to be happier, on a daily basis.This title was recommended by a Spanish lady visiting our local Church during a Parish Mission.It's one of those books where I'm sure it could be read through several times, and I'm sure one would find different aspects on each reading. Also, just flicking through the pages, little gems catch the eye.Why not try it for your self?

Great helpful book for Christians. Would recommend.