Jesus is Calling: Get Off the Couch and Stop Playing It Safe

You Were Made for More Than the Safety of the Shore

I need to ask you something: What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?

Let's Talk About What's Really Going On

You and I both know that sinking feeling when God nudges you toward something and your first thought is, "But what if...?" What if I fail? What if people think I'm foolish? What if I'm not ready?

Think about Peter that night on the Sea of Galilee. You know the story—waves everywhere, wind howling, and suddenly there's Jesus walking on the water like it's a sidewalk. And Peter, bless him, actually gets out of the boat.

Here's what gets me: eleven other disciples stayed put. They played it safe. And honestly? I would've been right there with them, white-knuckling the side of that boat.

Maybe—just maybe—we're missing something extraordinary because we're too afraid to leave what feels secure. In Ray Johnston's book Jesus Called—He Wants His Church Back, he talks about this "Safety Trap" we fall into and he's onto something that hits close to home for a lot of us.

Playing it safe feels like wisdom. It feels responsible. But it's quietly costing us more than we realize.

When Playing It Safe Keeps You Small

What has God been whispering to your heart lately?

Maybe it's reaching out to that neighbor you keep meaning to invite to coffee. Maybe it's finally saying yes to serving in that ministry. Maybe it's having that honest conversation you've been avoiding, or taking that step of obedience that makes your stomach flip.

Whatever it is, you know what I'm talking about. That thing that keeps coming back to you.

When we stay in our comfort zones, we think we're being wise. But here's the hard truth: we're also limiting what God can do through us. Jesus told His disciples, "If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). That's not exactly a safety-first message, is it?

I'm not saying you need to do something reckless. But I am saying that somewhere along the way, many of us have confused caution with faithfulness. We've made comfort our goal instead of obedience. And the world around us is missing out on what God wants to do through you.

Yes, you.

When Safety Shrinks Your Faith (And You Don't Even Notice)

You know what's interesting? Faith doesn't grow in the safe places. It grows when you're in over your head and Jesus is all you've got.

Remember what Peter said when Jesus asked if the disciples would leave Him? "Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68-69). Peter knew something we forget: following Jesus means trusting Him in the scary places.

I wonder how many of us have been praying small prayers because we're afraid of big answers. How many times have we asked God for things we can manage on our own, just in case He doesn't come through?

I say this gently: when you play it safe, you never get to see God show up. You never experience that moment when your resources run out and His provision kicks in. You miss the stories that start with "I had no idea how this would work, but..."

Your faith is meant to grow. But it can't grow if you never put yourself in a position where you actually need it.

When Comfort Becomes Your Prison

You don't grow in your comfort zone.

I know, I know—that sounds like a motivational poster. But stick with me, because this matters for your spiritual life more than you might think.

Every time you avoid risk, you avoid the very circumstances God uses to shape you. Peter learned more about Jesus in those few terrifying steps on the water than he could have learned in years of smooth sailing. He discovered what it felt like to cry out "Lord, save me!" and immediately feel Jesus' hand.

The other disciples? They were still figuring out who Jesus was. But Peter knew. Not because he had more information—because he'd experienced Jesus' power personally.

You want to mature in your faith? You want to really know God, not just know about Him? Then you've got to be willing to step out where it's uncomfortable. Where you're not in control. Where success isn't guaranteed.

Because that's where transformation happens.

What Happens to Your Heart When You Always Play It Safe

This one hurts a little, so I'm going to be gentle with both of us.

Jesus said something that sounds backward at first: "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it" (Matthew 16:25).

When you spend your life protecting yourself—from pain, from risk, from uncertainty—something happens to your heart. It gets smaller. Harder. More focused on self-preservation than on God's purposes.

You know the abundant life Jesus promised? You can't experience it while clutching your safety like a life preserver.

I've watched it happen—maybe you have too. Good people, people who love Jesus, who gradually become more concerned with their comfort than with God's kingdom. Who choose security over generosity, predictability over faith, self-protection over sacrifice.

And the saddest part? They don't even realize what they've lost until years later.

God wants to expand your heart. To fill it with His love, His compassion, His vision for your life. But He can't do that if you're too afraid to let go of what feels safe.

Five Steps to Start Living Again

Ray Johnston offers some practical wisdom in his book for breaking free from this safety trap. Let me share these with you as someone who's working through them too:

First, just be honest. Where is fear—not faith—calling the shots in your life right now? You don't have to fix it yet. Just name it. Be real with yourself and with God about where you've been playing it safe.

Second, remember who's asking. This isn't about being reckless or foolish. Jesus is the one calling you. He's not going to set you up for failure. He wouldn't call you to something without walking with you through it.

Third, take just one step. You don't need to see the whole journey mapped out. Peter didn't walk across the entire sea—he just took one step toward Jesus. What's your next step? Not your tenth step—your next one.

Fourth, keep looking at Jesus. Peter started to sink when he focused on the waves instead of on Jesus. When you take that step of faith, you'll be tempted to look at all the things that could go wrong. Don't. Keep your eyes on the One who called you.

Fifth, remember that stumbling isn't the same as failing. Peter began to sink, but Jesus didn't let him drown. If you step out in faith and it doesn't go perfectly—and it probably won't—that's okay. Get back up. Keep walking. God is still right there with you.

Here's What I Want You to Know

The boat feels safe, doesn't it? I get it. Believe me, I get it.

But Jesus is standing on the water, reaching out His hand, and He's calling your name.

You weren't meant to spend your whole life watching from the sidelines while other people experience God's power. You were created for more—for impact, for growth, for a faith that actually requires trusting God instead of just managing your life well.

I know it's scary. Taking risks means you might fail. You might look foolish. Things might not turn out the way you planned.

Playing it safe might protect you from some storms, but it absolutely guarantees you'll miss the miracles. And years from now, you might discover that the riskiest thing you ever did was never taking any risks at all.

Jesus is calling you. Not someone else—you. He sees something in you that maybe you don't even see in yourself yet.

The only question is: Will you get out of the boat?

This Week: Your First Step

I want to give you something practical, because I know reading this might stir something in you, but you need to know what to actually do about it.

In the next couple of days, take some quiet time—maybe with your morning coffee or before bed—and ask God to show you where you've been playing it safe. Write it down. Don't judge yourself; just be honest.

By midweek, think back over your life. Remember times when God came through for you. When He provided, when He guided, when He proved faithful. Let those memories build your courage for what's ahead.

This Friday, choose one specific thing you can do—something concrete—to get out of the boat. It doesn't have to be dramatic. Maybe it's making that phone call, saying yes to that opportunity, having that conversation, or giving in a way that stretches you. Just one thing.

This weekend, tell someone about it. Find a friend who will encourage you and check in with you. We're not meant to do this alone.

Next Sunday, come ready to celebrate what God has done. And listen for what He might be calling you to next.

The waves are waiting. So is Jesus.

And honestly? I think you're more ready than you know.

Blessings,

Donna