“Practice what you preach.” “Talk the talk, walk the walk!”

We’ve all had those times where we struggle to translate our intentions into actions. Commitment is more than a passive engagement; it’s an active decision that requires follow-through. It’s an important component of our faith journey.

Sometimes, commitment requires a step into the unknown, trusting in God’s guidance and provision for what happens next. Over time, small steps become big steps; a spiritual practice that reshapes the trajectory of our faith journey, reducing fear and fostering growth.

Starting is a spiritual decision. Learning to answer God’s call, starting with courage, and leaning on Jesus for the outcome, is a spiritual practice.

By taking the first step, commitments become stepping stones that empower us to overcome fear and anxiety, trusting in Christ for the end result.

Peter Courageous Commitment

Let’s consider the example of Peter in Matthew 14. Despite fear and uncertainty, Peter’s courageous commitment allowed him to walk on water towards Jesus, experiencing a miraculous outcome.

23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:23-33 (ESV)

This illustrates how a first step of commitment can empower us to overcome fear and witness God’s wonders. To be sure, when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, he faltered, but this adds to the example.

In the middle of our journey, although we took the first step of faith, we must always keep our focus on Christ.

Peter’s Restorative Commitment

Jumping to John 21, we see Peter end up in the water again, but under very different circumstances. After denying Christ three times, Peter goes back to fishing. Some scholars believe that in his guilt and shame, he went back to his previous trade.

3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish.

John 21:3-13 (ESV)

Peter didn’t let his guilt and shame consume him. He takes a leap of courageous commitment, quite literally. Peter jumps into the water to reach Jesus on the beach as fast as possible.

Soon after this moment, Jesus pulls Peter aside, confirming his love for Jesus three times and affirming Peter’s restoration. This powerful moment points to his future as an essential leader in the early church.

The story of Peter emphasizes that no one has fallen too far for restoration. Jesus took every sin upon Himself, conquering death, and offering a path to forgiveness and restoration. No matter the mistakes, there is restorative hope through Christ.

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed.

Peter’s life displays the importance of not letting fear or guilt prevent us from stepping up and stepping out in commitment. The call to follow Jesus is an active one, involving hard and sometimes scary choices.

By embracing the ability to start and make commitments, we build momentum in our faith. It’s time to actively participate in our local churches, support the Gospel mission, and share the message of Christ.

In the end, our commitment to Jesus will be a source of joy and fulfillment. We will never look back at the end of our lives and regret making commitments and trusting Jesus for the outcome.