Water Walkers Workbook

8/12/2019 Water Walkers Workbook

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Preface 7How to Use This Guide 9

Session 1:Whats Water-Walking? 15

Session 2:The Tragedy of the Unopened Gift 47

Session 3:Find Your Calling and Get Your Feet Wet! 77

Session 4:Facing Our Challenges,Conquering Our Fears 109

Session 5:Good News for Cave Dwellers 139

Session 6:Learning to Wait on Our Big God 171

Contents


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I want to invite you to go for a walk.

The Bible records many instances when God asked people to walk

with him. There was the hard walk Abraham took with his son

Isaac on the road to Moriah. The liberating walk Moses and the

Israelites took through the Red Sea, followed by the frustrating,

forty-year walk through the desert. And dont forget Joshuas

triumphant walk around Jericho. Or the disciples illuminating

walk to Emmaus. The list goes on.

Perhaps the most unforgettable walk of all was Peters walk when

he stepped out of a boat one stormy night and walked on the water.

When Peter went treading on the waves, I think he was experi-

encing walking at its finest.

Peters walk stands as an invitation to everyone who, like him,

wants to step out in faith and experience more of the power and

presence of God. Water-walking is a picture of doing with Gods

help what we could never do on our own.

I believe there is some aspect of your life in which God is calling

you to walk with and toward him. During these six sessions, youwill learn the skills essential to water-walking: discerning Gods

call, transcending fear, risking faith, managing failure, and

trusting God. When you are through, my hope is that you, like

Peter, will accept Gods invitation to go for a walk on the water.

John Ortberg

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Preface


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This Leaders Guide is divided into six sessions approximately fifty-two minutes in length. Each session corresponds to a videotape

presentation, and sessions are based on the book If You Want to

Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boatby John Ortberg.

Although this guide can be used for individual study, it is designed

primarily for group study. It can be used for retreats, in small

group studies, as a Sunday school elective, and for training indi-

viduals to discover and embrace their unique gifts, to recognize

Gods calling on their lives, to face their challenges and fears, and

to experience the reality of Gods power in their lives.

BEFORE THEFIRSTSESSION

Watch the videotape presentation.

Obtain the necessary Participants Guides for all participants.

Make sure you have the items listed below.

Leaders Necessities

Leaders Guide Bible (Old and New Testaments)

Television set

Video player (stand, extension cord, etc.)

Videotape for the sessions

Watch or clock with which to monitor time

Extra pens or pencils if needed by participants

Participants Necessities

Participants Guide Bible (Old and New Testaments)

Pen or pencil

9

How to Use This Guide


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DIRECTIONS FOR THELEADER

These directions are enclosed in shaded boxes and are not meant

to be read to participants.

SUPPLEMENTARYMATERIALSVarious quotes and charts provide supplementary information

that will enhance and deepen participants understanding of the

themes of the sessions. This material is not required reading to

complete the session. If your group has more time available than

the typical one-hour time slot, you may include the supplementary

information as part of your session and expand your discussion or

study. Otherwise, these quotes and charts are available as addi-

tional resources for participants who want to deepen their study

on their own.

Throughout the sessions, suggested responses follow group-

oriented questions for participants. The suggested responses pro-

vide an inkling of the responses participants may give and guide

you in emphasizing key points.

HOWEACHSESSIONISDIVIDED

Each session is divided into six main parts: Before You Lead,

Introduction, Video Presentation, Group Discovery, PersonalJourney, and Closing Meditation. A brief explanation of each part

follows.

1. BEFOREYOULEADSynopsis

Summarizes the material presented in each session.

Key Points of This SessionHighlights the key points on which you will want to focus.

Suggested ReadingLinks each session to the related material in the book If You Want

to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John

Ortberg.

Session OutlineProvides an overview of the content, activities, and time frame.

10 If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat Leaders Guide


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2. INTRODUCTIONWelcome

Welcomes participants to the session.

Whats to ComeA brief, introductory summary you may choose to use.

Questions to Think AboutDesigned to help you guide participants in thinking about the

theme or themes that will be covered. A corresponding page is

included in the Participants Guide.

3. VIDEOPRESENTATION

During this time, you and the participants will watch the video

and take notes. Some key themes have been highlighted.

4. GROUPDISCOVERY

In this section, you will guide participants in thinking through the

key themes and information presented in each session. You may

want to use the material in the order in which it is presented, but

feel free to amplify various points with your own material and

illustrations.

The Leaders Guide includes copies of the corresponding pages inthe Participants Guide. Space is also provided in which to write

additional planning notes. Having the Participants Guide pages in

front of you allows you to view the pages the participants are

seeing as you talk without having to hold two books at the same

time. It also lets you know where the participants are in their book

when someone asks you a question.

Video HighlightsUse these questions with the entire group. This will guide partic-

ipants in verbally responding to key points and themes covered in

the video. Some groups will discuss questions more freely and

extensively than others. Questions are provided to keep discussion

moving. If you are leading an expressive group and find that you

cannot complete as many questions as are provided, select key

questions for your group to explore.

How to Use This Guide 11


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Large Group ExplorationDuring this time, you will guide the group in exploring a theme

or topic related to the session. Often a few introductory sentences

are provided that set the stage for discussion. Various approaches

are used to stimulate learning and discussion. Sometimes ques-

tions are offered. Other times, participants will complete chartsor discuss Bible passages.

Small Group ExplorationAt this time, if your group has more than seven participants, you

will break the group into smaller groups (three to five people).

Participants will use their Bibles and will write down and discuss

their responses to the questions. If time allows, representatives of

the small groups can share with the entire group the key ideas

their group discussed.

Group DiscussionBring the entire group together to discuss additional questions that

wrap up the session. As time allows, feel free to use the material

as it isor adapt it to the needs of your group.

5. PERSONALJOURNEY

During this time, participants will have the opportunity to con-

sider what theyve just discovered and how it applies to their daily

lives. Since this is a private, meditative exercise, participants

should not talk among themselves. Participants also have the

opportunity to continue their journey on their own by completing

the To Do on Your Own portion.

6. CLOSINGMEDITATION

You may close each session with the prayer provided, or use a

different prayer.

TIPS FORLEADING ANDPROMOTINGGROUPDISCUSSION1. Allow group members to participate at their own comfort levels.

Not everyone needs to answer every question. It may take some

participants a while to feel comfortable enough to share.

2. Ask questions with interest and warmth, then listen carefully to

individual responses. Remember: it is important for participants



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to think through the questions and ideas presented as part of the

process. The process is more important than specific answers,

which is why suggested responses are provided.

3. Be flexible. Reword questions if you wish. Choose to spend

more or less time and add or delete questions to accommodate

the needs and time frame of your group.

4. Suggest that participants take time to explore any supplemen-

tary material that time did not permit them to explore within

a sessionand to review previous sessions. This review will

be particularly helpful if each session is being done weekly,

for example, rather than all six sessions being done in a retreat

setting.

5. Allow for (and expect) differences of opinion and experience.

6. Do not allow anyone to monopolize discussion. If such a situ-

ation arises, guide the discussion toward other people andperhaps speak to the person afterward about the importance

of allowing everyone to share.

7. If a heated discussion begins on a theological topic, suggest

that the participants involved continue their discussion with

you after the session is over.

8. If you have time, read If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got

to Get Out of the Boatbefore or in conjunction with these ses-

sions. Obviously not everything in the book could be included

in these sessions. Reading the book will provide backgroundthat will help you in leading the discussions.

9. Monitor the time frames without being heavy-handed. Although

its important to keep each session moving, remember that the

needs of your group may cause you to spend more or less time

on a particular part of a session. Also, keep in mind that the

content of each session has been designed to enable participants

to cover all of the intended material.

10. If time allows, invite participants to talk with you before or after

the sessions about what they are learning and thinking. What

an encouragement you can be to themby listening, sharing

ideas, sharing your experiences, etc.

11. Approach these sessions with a joyful heart. Many people

have benefited from the opportunity to deepen their relation-

ship with God and walk on water in daily life as a result of

having read If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get

Out of the Boat.

How to Use This Guide 13


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12. Do not be afraid of silence. Allow people time to thinkdont

panic. Sometimes ten seconds of silence seems like an eternity.

Remember, some of this material requires time to processso

give people time to digest a question and then respond.

13. Last, but certainly not least, ask people to pray for you and

your group as you go through these sessions. God wants to dogreat things in your lives!



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Whats Water-Walking?SESSION ONE


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BEFOREYOULEADSynopsis

This six-session series focuses on events that took place during a

stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. The biblical account of these

events includes the disciples struggling all night to sail througha fierce storm, Jesus walking through the stormy darkness to

meet his disciples, and Peters accepting Jesus invitation to step

out of the boat and walk on the water with him.

Today, just as it was for Jesus disciples, it is often easier to trust

in things, people, or circumstances rather than God. We try to

create security in such comfortable boats as money, success,

relationships, and secret addictions. Our boats can appear to be

safe, secure, and comfortable compared with the seemingly risky

chaos outside them. Yet apart from God, even our best-built boats

cannot protect us.

In this session, youll guide participants in realizing that they, like

Peter and the other disciples, face an important choice: to accept

Jesus invitation to step into the adventure and risk of life outside

the boat or to cling to the safety of the boat and try to avoid fear

and risk.

As unlikely as it may seem, real security comes when we step out

of the boat and learn that God can be trusted fully. Stepping out

of the boat is the only way to real growth. Its the only way truefaith develops. Its part of discovering and obeying our calling. And

its where we find Jesus.

Jesus used that eventful night to teach his disciples that he could

be trustedand that they needed to get out of the boat and walk

with him! Today, just as he did that stormy night on the Sea of

Galilee, Jesus is still looking for people who will get out of the boat

and walk with him. If we do, we will face storms. We will have to

take risks. We may even fail. But we can trust Jesus to be there to

reach out and help us.

Key Points of This Session1. God has given us a tremendous invitation to step out in faith

and walk with him. When we step out of the boatthe

comfort and security we cherishwe experience the unforget-

table thrill of doing something with God that we could never

accomplish on our own.



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2. Its always risky to step out of the boat. It is always scary to leave

the security of the boat and face the churning waters of the

storm. The risk of failure can loom bigger than life. But facing

fear is the price we must pay for growth, and failure has less to

do with what happensto us than it does how wejudgewhat has

happened.3. Jesus is looking for those who love and trust him enough to step

out of the boat and walk with him.

Suggested ReadingChapter 1 of If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out

of the Boat

MaterialsA television set, VCR player, video, pens and pencils, Bibles

SESSIONOUTLINE

I. Introduction (5 minutes)

Welcome

Whats to Come

Questions to Think About

II. Video Presentation: Whats Water-Walking? (14 minutes)

III. Group Discovery (27 minutes)

Video Highlights (4 minutes)

Large Group Exploration (9 minutes)

Small Group Exploration (9 minutes)

Group Discussion (5 minutes)

IV. Personal Journey (5 minutes)

V. Closing Meditation (1 minute)

Session One: Whats Water-Walking? 17

52 MINUTES


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There is somethingSomeoneinside us who tells us there is more to life than

sitting in the boat. You were made for something more. . . . There is something inside

you that wants to walk on the waterto leave the comfort of routine existence

and abandon yourself to the high adventure of following God.

John Ortberg

INTRODUCTION

Welcome

Whats to ComeOne night on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus disciples struggled for

hours to sail their boat through a fierce storm. Suddenly Jesus

came into view, walking toward them through the stormy dark-

ness. During our time together today, well explore what hap-

pened when Peter boldly accepted Jesus invitation to step out

of the boat and join him on the water. Well consider what it

means for us to accept Jesus invitation to step out in faith and

walk with him. Well look at the risk and the promise of being

a water-walker.Lets begin by considering a few questions related to water-

walking. These questions are on page 10.

Participants Guide page 9.

Welcome participants to If You Want to Walk on Water,Youve Got to Get Out of the Boatsession 1, Whats Water-

Walking?

18

Whats Water-Walking?SESSION ONE

5 MINUTES


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Whats Water-Walking?

There is som ething Som eone inside us

w ho tells us there is m ore to life than sitting

in the boat. You w ere m ade for som ething

m ore.... There is som ething inside you

that w ants to w alk on the w ater to leave

the com fort of routine existence and aban-

don yourself to the high adventure of

follow ing G od.

John O rtberg

9

SESSION ON E

QUESTIONS TO

THINK

ABOUT

1. What kinds of things do you trust in, especially w hen life

gets stormy, that h elp you feel comfort able and secure

rather th an fearful? Be honest!

2. Explain w hy you do or do not believe that God calls

everyone who follows him to step out in faith and do

something extraordinary. What does stepping out in

faith look like?

3. How would you define failure?

4. Thus far in l ife, what has been your experi ence with

failure ? What has failure kept you from doing? What

has fail ure done for you?

10 If You W ant to W alk on W ater Participa nts G uide

PLANNINGNOTES


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Questions to Think About

1. What kinds of things do you trust in, especially when life gets

stormy, that help you feel comfortable and secure rather than

fearful? Be honest!

Suggested Response: Responses will vary but may include such

things as money, career path, investments, supportive relation-

ships. This question begins to introduce participants to the high

price we payand the risks we takewhen we trust in things or

people rather than in God.

2. Explain why you do or do not believe that God calls everyone

who follows him to step out in faith and do something extra-

ordinary. What does stepping out in faith look like?

Suggested Response: Responses will vary, of course. But in

preparation for the next questions, it is important that partici-

pants begin to define stepping out in faith, knowing why it is

important, describing what it looks like, and identifying what

may be at risk.

3. How would you define failure?

Suggested Response: Responses will vary. Part of this session

deals with our perceptions regarding failure, so it will be help-

ful for participants to begin thinking about their personal

definitions and perceptions of failure.

4. Thus far in life, what has been your experience with failure?What has failure kept you from doing? What has failure done

for you?

Suggested Response: Experiences of failure may vary greatly.

Some participants may have very negative perceptions of fail-

ure and may even be paralyzed by past failure. Other partici-

pants may view failure as an opportunity, a stepping-stone to


As time permits, ask two or more of the following questions

and solicit responses from group members.



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PLANNINGNOTES

QUESTIONS TOTHINKABOUT


gets stormy, that h elp you feel comfor table and secure

rather t han fearful? Be honest!

2. Explain w hy you do or do not beli eve that God calls



faith look lik e?

3. How would you define failur e?

4. Thus far in l ife, what has been your experience wi th





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something greater. Whats important is that participants

express and listen to different perceptions and begin to connect

with the risks of water-walking.

Lets keep these ideas in mind as we view the video. There is space

to take notes on page 11.

VIDEOPRESENTATION: WHATSWATER-WALKING?

Video Observations

Images of a balloon ride

Following Jesus: choosing between comfort and growth

Did Peter failor succeed?

Discovering the power of Jesus



14 MINUTES


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VIDEOOBSERVATIONS

Images of a ball oon ride

Followi ng Jesus: choosing between comfort and growth

Did Peter fail or succeed?

Discovering the power of Jesus

Session O ne: W hats W ater-W alking? 11

PLANNINGNOTES

QUESTIONS TOTHINKABOUT


gets storm y, that help you feel comfortable and secure

rather than fearful? Be honest!

2. Explain w hy you do or do not beli eve that God calls



faith look like?

3. How would you define failur e?

4. Thus far in l ife, what has been your experi ence wi th





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GROUPDISCOVERY

Please turn to page 12.

Video Highlights 4 minutes

1. When John Ortberg and his wife took their hot-air balloon

ride, the competence of their pilot became very important to

them. Why is it so important for us to know the competence

and trustworthiness of whoever pilots our lives?

Suggested Response: Whenever we allow someone else to take

control, we take a risk. If the pilot is experienced and trust-

worthy, we can relax and trust him to care for us. But if the pilot

is inexperienced or is not trustworthy, our welfare is at risk.When we step out of the boat, were counting on Jesus to come

through for us. We are counting on his character and strength

to lead us and rescue us if we fall.

2. Jesus invited Peter to step out of the boat and walk with him

to do something Peter could not do on his ownand Peter

couldnt resist the opportunity. Jesus is still looking for people


As time permits, ask one or more of the following questions,which directly relate to the video the participants have just

seen.

If your group has seven or more members, use the

Video Highlights with the entire group (4 minutes), then com-plete the Large Group Exploration (9 minutes) and break intosmall groups of three to five people for the Small GroupExploration (9 minutes). At the end, bring everyone togetherfor the closing Group Discussion (5 minutes).

If your group has fewer than seven members, begin with theVideo Highlights (4 minutes), then complete both the LargeGroup Exploration (9 minutes) and the Small GroupExploration (9 minutes). Wrap up your discovery time with the

Group Discussion (5 minutes).


27 MINUTES


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VIDEOHIGHLIGHTS

1. When John Ortberg and his wife took their hot-air

balloon r ide, the competence of their pilot became very

important to them. Why is it so important for u s to knowthe competence and trustworth iness of w hoever pi lots

our lives?

2. Jesus invited Peter to step out of the boat and walk w ith

hi m to do somethi ng Peter coul d not do on hi s own

and Peter coul dnt r esist the opportu nit y. Jesus is stil l

looking for people who l ove and trust him enough to

step out of the boat. What do you find i ntri guing about

stepping out of the boat?

3. What are your thoughts on John Ortbergs commentsabout failur e, particularl y that failur e has more to do

with the way we view the outcome of an event than

wh at actually happened?


PLANNINGNOTES


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who love and trust him enough to step out of the boat. What do

you find intriguing about stepping out of the boat?

Suggested Response: The specifics will vary, but people who love

Jesus enough and trust him enough to leave what is safe and

comfortable are drawn by a powerful calling. Ask participants

to share how they feel about following Gods calling.

3. What are your thoughts on John Ortbergs comments about

failure, particularly that failure has more to do with the way

we view the outcome of an event than what actually happened?

Suggested Response: Participants may agree or disagree. The

point is that we can view our attempts as failures or as stepping-

stones that lead toward success and increased faith. So much

depends on our perspective.Please turn to page 13 and we will take a closer look at what

happened to Jesus disciples during that dark, stormy night.

Large Group Exploration 9 minutes

An Adventure in the Dark

Lets take a closer look at what happened when Jesus revealedhimself to his disciples as they sailed across the stormy Sea of

Galilee, because that event matters a great deal to us today. We too

have the opportunity to walk with Jesus in places we wouldnt

dream of going on our own. Like each of the disciples, we must

choose how we will respond to God. Will we sit in the boat, like the

eleven disciples? Or will we, like Peter, leave the security of the boat

and give God the opportunity to use us in extraordinary ways?

1. When Jesus told the disciples to sail to the other side of the Seaof Galilee without him, they obeyed. But what happened as

they sailed? (See Matthew 14:2226; Mark 6:4550.)

Suggested Response: A terrible storm with gale-force winds came

up. While they strained at the oars against the wind, they saw

Jesus walking toward them on the water. Thinking he was a

ghost, they were so terrified that they cried out.




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LARGEGROUPEXPLORATION

An Adventur e in the Dark

Lets take a closer look at what happened when Jesus

revealed himself to his disciples as they sailed across the

stormy Sea of Gali lee, because that event matters a great deal

to us today. We too have the opportunity to walk with Jesus

in pl aces we woul dnt dream of going on our own . Like each

of the disciples, we must choose how we wi ll respond to God.

Will we sit in the boat, like the eleven disciples? Or will we,

like Peter, leave the security of the boat and give God the

opportunity to use us in extraordinary ways?

1. When Jesus told th e disciples to sail to th e other side of

the Sea of Galil ee wi thout h im , they obeyed. But w hat

happened as they sailed? (See Matthew 14:2226; Mark

6:4550.)

2. What did Jesus say to them, and why is this signifi cant

today? (See Matth ew 14:27.)


PLANNINGNOTES

VIDEOHIGHLIGHTS

1. When John Ortberg and his wife took their hot-air

balloon r ide, the competence of their pil ot became very

important to them. Why is it so important for us to knowthe competence and trustwort hin ess of whoever pil ots

our lives?

2. Jesus invited Peter to step out of the boat and walk w ith

him to do somethi ng Peter coul d not do on hi s own

and Peter couldn t resist the opportu ni ty. Jesus is stil l

looking for people who l ove and trust him enough to

step out of the boat. What do you find i ntri guing about

stepping out of the boat?

3. What are your thoughts on John Ortbergs comm entsabout failu re, particul arly that fail ure has more to do

with the way we view the outcome of an event than

what actuall y happened?



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2. What did Jesus say to them, and why is this significant today?

(See Matthew 14:27.)

Suggested Response: Jesus told them to have courage, told them

who he was, and then told them not to be afraid. The take

courage, do not fear, I am with you theme recurs throughout

Scripture, especially when those who obey God face difficulties.

It is no less true or important today than during biblical times.

3. From Peters perspective, recap what happened after Jesus told

the disciples who he was. What is significant about Peters

response to Jesus? (See Matthew 14:2832.)

Suggested Response: Peter didnt risk everything and jump into

the water right away. First, he acted wisely by wanting to know

whether Jesus thought getting out of the boat was a good idea.When Jesus told Peter to come to him, Peter got out and started

walking toward Jesus. Then he saw the wind, became scared,

and began to sink. So he called out to Jesus, who caught Peter

by the hand and then asked him why he doubted. When Jesus

and Peter climbed into the boat, the wind immediately died

down. As impulsive as we know Peter was, its interesting to note

that he kept directing his attention toward Jesus to learn what

to do.

4. What impact did this event have on the disciples? (See Matthew

14:33; Mark 6:51.)

Suggested Response: They saw Jesus in a way they had never

seen him before. They were amazed. They recognized him for

who he truly wasthe Son of Godand responded in worship.

5. What impact do you think this event had on Peter?

Suggested Response: Peter abandoned himself completely to

Jesus, something the other disciples did not do. He risked every-thing and experienced firsthand the glory of walking on the

water. Because of his faithful steps, he succeeded in doing, in

Gods power, what he could never have done on his own. No

doubt he remembered that miracle and the lessons learned for

the rest of his life.



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3. From Peters perspective, recap what h appened after

Jesus told the disciples who he was. What is significant

about Peters response to Jesus? (See Matth ew 14:2832.)

4. What i mpact did th is event have on the disciples? (See

Matthew 14:33; Mark 6:51.)

5. What impact do you thin k thi s event had on Peter?

Who Deserves the Credit?

Its not thecriticwho counts; not theman who pointsout howthe

strong man stumbles, or wherethedoer of deedscouldhavedone

better. Thecredit belongsto theman who isactually in thearena

who, at best, knowsin theendthetriumph of great achievement, and

who, at theworst, if hefails, at least failswhiledaringgreatly. So that

hisplacewill never bewith thosecoldtimidsoulswho knowneither

victory nor defeat.

TheodoreRoosevelt


PLANNINGNOTES

LARGEGROUPEXPLORATION

An Adventur e in the Dark

Lets take a closer look at what happened when Jesusrevealed himself to his disciples as they sailed across the

stormy Sea of Gali lee, because that event m atters a great deal

to us today. We too have the opportunity to walk with Jesus

in pl aces we woul dnt dream of going on our own . Like each

of the disciples, we must choose how we wi ll respond to God.

Will we sit in the boat, like the eleven disciples? Or will we,

like Peter, leave the security of the boat and give God the

opportunity to use us in extraordinary ways?

1. When Jesus told th e disciples to sail t o the other side of

the Sea of Galil ee wi thout h im , they obeyed. But w hat

happened as they sailed? (See Matthew 14:2226; Mark

6:4550.)

2. What did Jesus say to them, and why is this signifi canttoday? (See Matthew 14:27.)



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Person

Abraham

Moses

Joshua

Joshua

Twelve spies

Rich young ruler

Water-Walking

InvitationSacrifice his son Isaac. (SeeGenesis 22.)

Lead the Israelites out of Egypt,which meant crossing the Red Seawith the Egyptian army in hotpursuit. (See Exodus 3:710 andchapter 14.)

Lead the Israelites across theflooded Jordan River with the ark

of the covenant carried by thepriests at the front of the people.(See Joshua 3.)

Instead of going into battle, theIsraelites were to march aroundthe walled city of Jericho with theark of the covenant for six days,then march around the city seventimes on the seventh day andblow horns and shout when thetrumpet sounded. (See Joshua 6.)

Believe that despite the frighten-ing obstacles in Canaan, Godwould be faithful to give theIsraelites the Promised Land andall of its goodness. (See Numbers1314.)

Give up his material possessionsand follow Jesus. (See Matthew19:1622.)

The Result

God honored Abrahams faith andprovided a ram for the sacrifice.

God parted the Red Sea, allowingthe Israelites to cross on dry land,then drowned the Egyptian army.

As soon as the priests feettouched the water of the Jordan

River, it stopped flowing and thepeople crossed on dry land.

God made the wall of Jericho falldown so that the Israelites couldovertake the citythe first keybarrier to entering the PromisedLand.

Ten of them refused to believeGod and his promises andperished in the wilderness.

He refused and went awaysaddened. We do not knowwhat took place in his life.

Highlights from the History of Water-Walking

For a very long time God has been in the business of inviting people to be water-walkers. Here are

a few examples to consider

WHODESERVES THECREDIT?

Its not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could

have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . . who, at best, knows in the end the triumph

of great achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place will never be

with those cold timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.Theodore Roosevelt


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Highlights fromthe History of Water-WalkingFor a very long time God has been in the business ofinviting people to be water-walkers. Here are a fewexamples to consider:

Person

Abraham

Moses

Joshua

Water-Walking

Invitation

Sacrifice his son Isaac.(See Genesis 22.)

Lead the Israelitesout ofEgypt, which meantcrossing the Red Seawith the Egyptian armyin hot pursuit. (SeeExodus3:710 and chap-ter 14.)

Lead the Israelitesacrossthe flooded Jordan River

with the ark of thecovenant carried by thepriestsat the front of thepeople. (See Joshua 3.)

The Result

God honored Abrahamsfaith and provided a ramfor the sacrifice.

God parted the Red Sea,allowingthe Israelitestocross on dry land, thendrowned the Egyptianarmy.

As soon as the priestsfeet touched the water

of the Jordan River, itstopped flowing and thepeople crossed on dryland.

Joshua Instead of going intobattle, the Israeliteswereto march around thewalled city of Jerichowith the ark of thecovenant for six days,then march around thecity seven times on theseventh day and blowhorns and shout whenthe trumpet sounded.(See Joshua 6.)

God made the wall ofJericho fall down so thatthe Israelitescould over-take the citythe firstkey barrier to enteringthe Promised Land.


Twelve spies

Rich young ruler

Believe that despite the

frightening obstacles inCanaan, God would befaithful to give theIsraelites the PromisedLand and all of its good-ness. (See Numbers1314.)

Give up his materialpossessions and followJesus. (See Matthew19:1622.)

Ten of them refused to

believe God and hispromises and perishedin the wilderness.

He refused and wentaway saddened. We donot know what tookplace in his life.

PLANNINGNOTES3. From Peters perspective, recap what h appened after

Jesus told the disciples who he was. What is significant

about Peters response to Jesus? (See Matthew 14:2832.)

4. What im pact did thi s event have on the discipl es? (See

Matthew 14:33; Mark 6:51.)

5. What impact do you thi nk thi s event had on Peter?

Who Deserves the Credit?

Itsnot thecriticwho counts; not theman who pointsout howthe

strong man stumbles, or wherethedoer of deedscouldhavedone

better. Thecredit belongsto theman who isactually in thearena

who, at best, knowsin theendthetriumph of great achievement, and

who, at theworst, if hefails, at least failswhiledaringgreatly. So that

hisplacewill never bewith thosecoldtimidsoulswho knowneither

victory nor defeat.

TheodoreRoosevelt



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Lets break into small groups of three to five people for our Small

Group Exploration, which begins on page 17. I will give you a one-

minute warning before we rejoin for our Group Discussion.

Small Group Exploration 9 minutes

Topic A

Where Do We Place Our Trust When We Are Afraid?

God knows how fearful we are, and he sometimes uses uncom-

fortable, real-world challenges to cause us to choose where we

will place our trust. John Ortberg explains it this way: The deci-

sion to grow [spiritually] always involves a choice between risk

and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must

renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life. Lets explore

what God says about fear and choosing where we place our trust.

1. What happens when we place our trust in boats of our own

making instead of placing our trust in God? (See Psalm 49:113.)

Suggested Response: We all will die one day. We cant take the

money weve made with us, nor can it buy eternal life. Trusting

in ourselves and our perishable riches or relationships isnt the

answer. God alone gives eternal life.

2. What did David realize about finding security in God ratherthan in things? (See Psalm 20:67; 118:69.)

Suggested Response: David realized that God was all the pro-

tection he needed and that it was far better to trust in Gods

saving power than in people, chariots, and horses (symbols of

security and power in those days).


Please note there are two topics to explore in this session.Assign one topic to half of the small groups, the other topicto the other half. You may want to have a representative fromeach group share their discoveries at the beginning of theGroup Discussion that follows.



29/41


SMALL GROUPEXPLORATION

Topic A

Wh ere Do We Place Our Trust Wh en We Are Afraid?

God knows how fearful we are, and he sometim es uses

uncomfortabl e, real-w orl d challenges to cause us to choose

wh ere we wi ll place our tr ust. John Ortberg explains it th is

way: The decision to grow [spiritually] always involves a

choice between r isk and comf ort. Thi s means that to be a

follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the ulti-

mate valu e of your li fe. L ets explor e what God says about

fear and choosing w here we place our tr ust.

1. What happens when we place our tru st in boats of our

own making instead of placing our trust in God? (See

Psalm 49:113.)

2. What did David r ealize about findin g security in Godrather than in thi ngs? (See Psalm 20:67; 118:69.)

3. What do the followi ng verses reveal about God?

a. Psalm 18:13


PLANNINGNOTES


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3. What do the following verses reveal about God?

a. Psalm 18:13

Suggested Response: God is our strength, our protector, and our

deliverer. We can find refuge in him.

b. Psalm 56:34

Suggested Response: We can trust in God when we are afraid.

c. Jeremiah 17:78

Suggested Response: When we trust in the Lord, he will bless us.

When we place our confidence in him, we will grow strong,

receive spiritual nourishment, and be fruitful. We will be able

to endure difficult times.

4. What has God said to his people over and over again, and whydo you think he repeated it? (See Genesis 15:1; 21:17; Joshua

8:1; Daniel 10:12.)

Suggested Response: Over and overto Abraham, Hagar, Joshua,

Daniel (and many others in the Bible)God told them not to be

afraid. God is well aware of how frightening it is to step out in

faith and obey him. He is trustworthy and continually reminds us

that we dont need to be afraid when we walk with him.

Topic BWhat Happened When These People Got Out of Their Boats?

The Bible records the stories of many people who had to choose

whether to trust God and step out in faith. Lets explore what

happened to two men who, like Peter, decided to trust God and

leave behind the security, comfort, and safety they had tried to

provide for themselves.

Moses

1. What happened when Mosesthe adopted son of the Pharaohs

daughtertook matters into his own hands when he saw an

Israelite being mistreated by an Egyptian? (See Exodus 2:10

15; 3:1.)

Suggested Response: Moses murdered the Egyptian and in turn

was a target for murder. To save his life, he fled Egypt and spent



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b. Psalm 56:34

c. Jeremiah 17:78

4. What has God said to hi s people over and over again ,

and w hy do you thi nk he repeated it? (See Genesis 15:1;

21:17; Joshua 8:1; Daniel 10:12.)

Topic B

Wh at Happened When T hese People Got Out of Their

Boats?

The Bible records the stories of many people who had to

choose whether to trust God and step out in faith. Lets

explore what happened to two men wh o, lik e Peter, decided

to trust God and leave behind the security, comfort, and

safety they had tri ed to provi de for themselves.

M oses

1. What happened when M osesthe adopted son of the

Pharaohs daughtertook m atters into h is own hands


PLANNINGNOTES

SMALLGROUPEXPLORATION

Topic A

Wh ere Do We Place Our Tr ust When We Are Afraid?

God knows how fearful we are, and he sometimes uses

uncomfortabl e, real-w orl d chall enges to cause us to choose

wh ere we wi ll place our tr ust. John Ortberg explains it this

way: The decision to grow [spiritually] always involves a

choice between r isk and comfort. Thi s means that to be a

follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the ulti-

mate valu e of your li fe. L ets explor e what God says about

fear and choosing w here we place our tr ust.

1. What happens when we place our tru st in boats of our

own making instead of placing our trust in God? (See

Psalm 49:113.)

2. What did David realize about finding security i n Godrather than i n th ings? (See Psalm 20:67; 118:69.)

3. What do the foll owi ng verses reveal about God?

a. Psalm 18:13



32/41

years tending sheep in the desertquite a change from being the

Pharaohs son!

2. How did God appear to Moses, and what did he want Moses

to do? (See Exodus 3:14, 910.)

Suggested Response: God appeared to Moses through a burning

bush, a supernatural phenomenon that got Moses attention.

When Moses responded, God informed him that he was to go

back to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Now thats

a step of faith!

3. How did Moses respond when God presented the invitation to

step out of the boat? (See Exodus 3:1113; 4:13.)

Suggested Response: Moses was afraid, offered excuses, andrepeatedly asked God to send someone else.

4. Finally Moses took the plunge and returned to Egypt to urge

Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. What happened as a result of

Gods power and the shepherds water-walking obedience?

(See Exodus 12:3137.)

Suggested Response: Pharaoh let the Israelites leave Egypt, and

the Israelites took much of Egypts wealth with them.

Gideon

5. Where was Gideon trying to find comfort and safety when God

approached him? (See Judges 6:11.)

Suggested Response: Gideon was hiding in a winepress, thresh-

ing wheat and hoping the Midianites wouldnt find him.

6. Gideon was afraid to take the challenge the angel of the Lord

presented to him. How did God respond to his fears? (SeeJudges 6:1218; 7:915.)

Suggested Response: God promised to be with Gideon and

patiently bore with Gideons fears and fledgling faith. God gave

Gideon the signs he requested so that Gideon would know for

sure that it was God talking to him. Even after Gideon started

taking steps of faith, he still experienced times of fear. Before the



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when he saw an Israelite being mistreated by an

Egyptian? (See Exodus 2:1015; 3:1.)

2. How did God appear to M oses, and what did he want

Moses to do? (See Exodus 3:14, 910.)

3. How did M oses respond when God presented the invi -

tation to step out of th e boat? (See Exodus 3:1113; 4:13.)

4. Finall y Moses took the plunge and return ed to Egypt to

urge Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. What happened as

a result of Gods power and the shepherds water-

wal ki ng obedience? (See Exodu s 12:3137.)


G i d e o n

5. Where was Gideon tryi ng to find comfort and safetywhen God appr oached him? (See Judges 6:11.)

6. Gideon was afraid to take the challenge the angel of the

Lord presented to him. How did God respond to his

fears? (See Judges 6:1218; 7:915.)

7. How did God use this insignificant farmer w ho finally

decided to obey and trust hi m? (See Judges 7:1624.)

The Pluses of Water-Walking

It istheonly way to real growth.

It istheway truefaith develops.

It isthealternativeto boredomandstagnation.

It ispart of discoveringandobeyingour calling.

Thewater iswhereJesusis!


PLANNINGNOTES

b. Psalm 56:34

c. Jeremiah 17:78

4. What has God said to hi s people over and over again,

and w hy do you thi nk he repeated it? (See Genesis 15:1;

21:17; Joshua 8:1; Dani el 10:12.)

Topic B

Wh at Happened When T hese People Got Out of Th eir

Boats?

The Bible records the stories of many people who had tochoose whether to trust God and step out in faith. Lets

explore w hat happened to two men who, li ke Peter, decided

to trust God and leave behind the security, comfort, and

safety they had tried to provide for themselves.

M oses

1. What happened when M osesthe adopted son of the

Pharaohs daughtertook m atters into h is own hands

18 If You W ant to W alk on W ater Participants G uide


34/41

planned attack on the Midianites, God told Gideon what to do

if he was afraid. Gideon did it and was greatly encouraged.

7. How did God use this insignificant farmer who finally

decided to trust and obey him? (See Judges 7:1624.)

Suggested Response: God used Gideon and the three hundred

men with him to rout the Midianite army. The frightened,

farmer-turned-soldier ended up helping to free his people from

Midianite bondage.


It is the only way to real growth.

It is the way true faith develops.

It is the alternative to boredom and stagnation.It is part of discovering and obeying our calling.

The water is where Jesus is!

Group Discussion 5 minutes

Now its time for us to wrap up our discovery time. Please turn to

page 21.

1. Fear of failure is one reason many of us dont step out of the

boat. Some people view Peters walk on the water as a failure,

but John Ortberg points out that there were eleven bigger

failures sitting in the boat. In what ways does our perception

of failure affect our willingness to start water-walking?


As time permits, discuss the following questions to helpparticipants explore their understanding of the conceptscovered in this session.

Let participants know when one minute remains.

When time is up, ask the groups to rejoin as one group.



35/41


GROUPDISCUSSION

1. Fear of failu re is one reason many of us dont step out of

the boat. Some people view Peters walk on the water as

a failure, but John Ortberg points out that there were

eleven bigger failu res sitti ng in t he boat. In w hat ways

does our perception of failu re affect our w il li ngness to

start water-walking?

Think about It

Failureisnot an event, but rather ajudgm entabout an event. Failure

isnot somethingthat happensto usor a label weattach to things. It

isa way wethink about outcomes.

John Ortberg


PLANNINGNOTESG i d e o n

5. Where was Gideon tryin g to find comfort and safety

wh en God approached h im ? (See Judges 6:11.)

6. Gideon was afraid to take the chall enge the angel of the

Lord presented to him. How did God respond to his

fears? (See Judges 6:1218; 7:915.)

7. How did God use this insignificant farmer who finally

decided to obey and tru st hi m? (See Judges 7:1624.)


It istheonly way to real growth.

It istheway truefaith develops.

It isthealternativeto boredomandstagnation.

It ispart of discoveringandobeyingour calling.

Thewater iswhereJesusis!



36/41

Think about It

Failure is not an event, but rather a judgmentabout an event. Failure is not something that happens to us or a label we attachto things. It is a way we think about outcomes.

John Ortberg

2. How much does our view of Gods character and competence

influence the degree to which we are willing to trust him and,

in faith, to accept his calling and take risks?

3. Would you agree that sometimes the boats we createwhatever

gives us an illusion of control, whatever or whomever (besides

God) we are tempted to put our trust in when life is stormy

might actually be more dangerous than water-walking withJesus? Why or why not?

4. If we keep choosing not to step out of our boats, what happens

to us? To people around us? To our relationship with God?

PERSONALJOURNEY: TODONOW

Now turn to page 23 and spend a few minutes alone with God to

consider some of the points weve discussed in this session.

1. In If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of the Boat,

John Ortberg writes, I believe that there is some aspect of your

life in which God is calling you to walk with and to him, and that

when we say yes to his calling, it sets in motion a divine dynamicfar beyond merely human power. In what way might God be

calling you to get out of your boat and step out in faith?



5 MINUTES


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2. How mu ch does our v iew of Gods character and com-petence influ ence the degree to whi ch we are wi ll ing to

trust him and, in faith, to accept his calli ng and take

risks?

3. Would you agree that sometimes the boats we create

whatever gives us an illusion of control, whatever or

wh omever (besides God) we are tempted to put our trust

in wh en life i s stormy mi ght actually be more danger-

ous than water-walki ng wi th Jesus? Why or w hy not?

4. If we keep choosin g not to step out of our boats, wh at

happens to us? To people around us? To our relati onship

wi th God?



1. I n If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of

the Boat, John Ortberg writes, I believe that there is

some aspect of your li fe in w hich God is calli ng you to

walk wi th and to him , and that when we say yes to his

calling, it sets in motion a div ine dynamic far beyond

merely h uman power. In w hat ways might God be call-

ing you to get out of your boat and step out in faith?

2. Usually anyone who begins water-walking has to facepersonal fear. What deep fears keep you from really

walking with and obeying God, from stepping out in

faith and with his help doing what you could never do

on your own? List fears that are specific to the calling

you wr ote down for question 1.


PLANNINGNOTESGROUPDISCUSSION

1. Fear of failu re is one reason many of us dont step out of

the boat. Some people view Peters walk on the water as

a failure, but John Ortberg points out that there were

eleven bigger fail ures sitti ng in th e boat. In w hat waysdoes our perception of fail ure affect our w il li ngness to

start water-walking?

Think about It

Failureisnot an event, but rather ajudgm entabout an event. Failure

isnot somethingthat happensto usor a label weattach to things. It

isa way wethink about outcomes.

John Ortberg



38/41

2. Usually anyone who begins water-walking has to face personal

fear. What deep fears keep you from really walking with and

obeying God, from stepping out in faith and with his help doing

what you could never do on your own? List fears that are

specific to the calling you wrote down for question 1.

3. Looking back on your life so far, when have you said no to

Gods call? When have you said yes? Why? What happened as

a result of those choices?

4. Which small or large steps can you begin taking this week to

get out of your boat a little each day?

PERSONALJOURNEY: TODO ONYOUROWN

Youve learned a few basics about water-walking and have been

encouraged to think about your choices, your boats, and the

opportunity to water-walk. Its easy to seek comfort and create

boats, isnt it? Thats why so many people choose that path. But

God is calling you, as he calls every believer, to put your faith in

him and start getting out of your boat a little more each day.

Set aside some quiet time to think about the following questions.

There are no right or wrong answers, and nobody needs to know

your responses, unless you choose to discuss them with someone.

Whats important is that you take time to reflect on some issues that

you explored today, issues that may cause you to become uncom-fortable or even a bit angryat yourself, God, or someone else. By

their nature, some of the boats people create are pretty ugly and

secretive. Remember, though, that God loves you just the way you

are. Whenever you are willing to get out of the boat, he is ready to

help you do things you could never accomplish on your own. One

of the first steps in the process of water-walking is assessing

honestly where you are right nowand where you want to be.

Let participants know when one minute remains.

When time is up, remind participants that they may want tocontinue their journey by completing the exercise on page 25of their Participants Guide on their own time. Then close thesession with the Closing Meditation.



39/41


3. Lookin g back on your li fe so far, when have you said noto Gods call? When have you said yes? Why? What

happened as a result of those choices?

4. Which small or large steps can you begin taki ng this

week to get out of your boat a little each day?


PERSONALJOURNEY:TODO ON YOUROWN

Youve learned a few basics about water-walking and have

been encouraged to thi nk about your choi ces, your boats,

and the opportunity to water-walk . Its easy to seek comfort

and create boats, isnt i t? Thats why so many people choose

that path. But God is calling you, as he calls every believer,

to put your faith i n hi m and start getting out of your boat a

li ttle m ore each day.

Set aside some quiet time to think about the follow ing ques-

tions. There are no right or wrong answers, and nobody

needs to know your responses, unless you choose to discuss

them w ith someone. Whats important is that you take time to

reflect on some issues that you explored today, issues that

may cause you to become uncomfortable or even a bit angry

at yourself, God, or someone else. By their nature, some of theboats people create are pretty ugly and secretive. Remember,

though, that God loves you just the way you are. Whenever

you are wi ll ing to get out of the boat, he is ready to help you

do things you could never accomplish on your own. One of

the first steps in the process of water-walking is assessing

honestly w here you are right nowand where you want to be.

1. Look back on your li fe. When have you stepped up to the

plate, to use a baseball anal ogy, and tr ied to hi t the ball ?

When have you refused to get out of the dugout w hen

your n ame was called? Why? How have those decision s

infl uenced your li fefor better or worse?


PLANNINGNOTES


1. I n If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get Out of

the Boat, John Ortberg writes, I believe that there is

some aspect of your l ife in wh ich God is calli ng you towalk wi th and to him , and that when we say yes to his

call ing, it sets in motion a div ine dynamic far beyond

merely hu man power. I n w hat ways might God be call -

ing you to get out of your boat and step out in fait h?

2. Usually anyone who begins water-walking has to face

personal fear. What deep fears keep you from really

walking with and obeying God, from stepping out in

faith and with his help doing what you could never do

on your own? List fears that are specific to the callingyou wr ote down for question 1.



40/41

1. Look back on your life. When have you stepped up to the plate,

to use a baseball analogy, and tried to hit the ball? When have

you refused to get out of the dugout when your name was

called? Why? How have those decisions influenced your life

for better or worse?

2. Are you excited about your relationship with God right now?

Is it dynamic and growing, or pretty stale? Why? How might

what youve learned about water-walking start making a

difference in your relationship with God?

3. Do you think you are a risk taker or a comfort seeker? Why?

Write out some ways in which you have taken risks in your

walk with God and ways you have deliberately chosen to seek

comfort rather than take the risk of what God was calling youto do.

4. Ask God to make your heart and mind open to what he wants

to reveal to you through this study and to give you the courage

to face whatever issues come up in the remaining sessions.

CLOSINGMEDITATION

Dear God, its easier to discuss what happened to Peter during that raging

storm on the lake than it is to think honestly about the boats we create to

try to shelter ourselves and gain the illusion of control. Please help us to

become more aware of the boats we create. Show us how our boats are

affecting our ability to hear your call and how we can take steps of faith that

will lead to a stronger walk with you. Give us the courage to accept your

invitation to step out in faith and walk with you on the water. Feed our desire

to experience more of your presence and power as we walk in places wecould never walk on our own. Thank you for your promise to be with us,

to be there with a helping hand whenever we need you. In Jesus name we

pray, amen.


1 MINUTE


41/41


2. Are you excited about your r elationship with God ri ght

now? Is it dynamic and grow ing, or pr etty stale? Why?

How m ight w hat youve learned about w ater-w alking

start m aking a difference in your relationship w ith God?

3. Do you think you are a risk taker or a comfort seeker?

Why? Write out some ways in which you have taken

risks in your walk with God and ways you have delib-

erately chosen to seek comfort rather th an take the ri sk

of wh at God was callin g you to do.

4. Ask God to make your heart and mi nd open to what he

wants to reveal to you through this study and to give you

the courage to face whatever issues come up in the

remaining sessions.

26 If You W ant to W alk on W ater Participants G uide

PLANNINGNOTES

PERSONALJOURNEY:TODO ONYOUROWN

Youve learned a few basics about water-walking and have

been encouraged to thi nk about your choi ces, your boats,

and the opportunity to water-walk. Its easy to seek comfort

and create boats, isnt i t? Thats why so many people choose

that path. But God is calling you, as he calls every believer,

to put your faith i n hi m and start getting out of your boat a

li ttle m ore each day.

Set aside some quiet time to think about the follow ing ques-

tions. There are no right or wrong answers, and nobody

needs to know your responses, unless you choose to discuss

them w ith someone. Whats important is that you take time to

reflect on some issues that you explored today, issues that

may cause you to become uncomfortable or even a bit angry

at yourself, God, or someone else. By their nature, some of the

boats people create are pretty ugly and secretive. Remember,

though, that God loves you just the way you are. Whenever

you are wi ll ing to get out of the boat, he is ready to help you

do things you could never accomplish on your own. One of

the first steps in the process of water-walking is assessing

honestly w here you are right nowand where you want to be.

1. Look back on your li fe. When have you stepped up to the

plate, to use a baseball analogy, and tried to hit th e ball?

When have you refused to get out of the dugout w hen

your n ame was called? Why? How have those decision s

infl uenced your li fefor better or worse?


Water Walkers Workbook

Documents

Transcript of Water Walkers Workbook