It was some time ago that I chanced upon this book, most probably in the SKS book recommendation I usually receive in my email. The title caught my eyes because it is so logical. It is a no-brainer that you have to get out of the boat if you want to walk on water. But walking on water is not a logical, ordinary feat. I read the synopsis in the book recommendation, searched the internet for the book and managed to read some sample pages. And I have been wanting to read the book since. So quite recently, when I went to SKS and saw the book on offer (last copy), I bought it immediately.
The book is based on the account of Jesus walking on water towards his disciples as their boat was quite a far distance from land (Matthew 14: 25 – 32). The author is able to draw faith lessons from this short account, with a focus on Peter and an invitation for us to be like Peter, wanting to step out in faith, wanting to experience something more of the power and presence of God. This really interests me. To the author, there is a consistent pattern in Scripture of what happens to someone whom God wants to use and sanctify: • There is always a call. • There is always fear. • There is always reassurance. • There is always a decision. • There is always a changed life.
Those who say ‘no’ are changed too. They become a little harder, a little more resistant to His calling, a little more likely to say ‘no’ the next time. How very true this is, I thought. For the rest of the book, the author talks about skills essential to “water-walking”: discerning God’s call, transcending fear, risking faith, managing failure, trusting God.
The book is written in contemporary style and very readable. At the end of each chapter, there are also discussion questions. I may even want to use this book as study material for my DG at some point. Highly recommended for your reading if you want to walk on water. But first, you’ve got to walk to the church library. This book is available for loan.
Please also consider other titles by John Ortberg:
1. God is Closer Than You Think
2. The Me I Want to Be (Adults Edition) and (Teens Edition)
3. The Life You’ve Always Wanted
This book review was written by Elder Tah Wee, October 2018.
