Celebrate the Wobble: Learning to Walk with Jesus

Aug 9
When we treat every stumble as failure, we stop stepping out in faith. Discover how Peter's story shows wobbling is actually the beautiful shape of walking with Jesus.
Have you ever felt like you failed God, even while you were actually trying to follow Him?

That is where I lived for a long time. I was taking almost every step the Lord was asking me to take, but I was terrified the whole way there, and the enemy made sure I knew it.

This week we are talking about something that might change how you see every wobbly, imperfect step of your walk with Jesus.
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You Are Not Waiting Behind a Red Light

The Lord showed me I had been living like I was stopped at a red light, waiting for permission to move, waiting to feel ready enough, sure enough, strong enough. Then He said something that stopped me in my tracks. All the lights are green. He was not telling me to be reckless. He was telling me I do not have to wait for perfect readiness to take the next step of faith. If you have been sitting at a red light in some area of your life, waiting to feel qualified before you move, this message is for you.
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Why the Church Stopped Celebrating the Wobble

Think about a toddler learning to walk. She takes two steps, wobbles, and falls. No parent stands over her saying that was embarrassing, or you should study balance for a couple years before you try that again. We celebrate the wobble because we know it is part of learning to walk. Somewhere along the way, the Church stopped celebrating that same process in discipleship. We started treating the wobble like failure instead of growth, and it has stolen a lot of people's courage to step out in faith at all.

Peter Was Not a Failure, He Was the Most Willing

For years I read Peter's story and saw a mixed bag, a man who got some things right and a lot of things wrong. Then the Lord asked me a question that changed everything. What if Peter was not a partial failure? What if he was the fastest growing disciple because he was the most willing? In Matthew 14, twelve men were in that boat during the storm. Eleven stayed inside and watched. One climbed out and walked on the water. Yes, Peter looked at the wind and started to sink, but Jesus was right there to catch him, and Peter walked away transformed, "Truly you are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33). Abraham wobbled forward. Moses wobbled forward. David wobbled forward. Peter wobbled forward. None of them got it perfect. All of them are remembered for walking with God anyway.

A Simple Next Step

This is just the beginning of what God wants to heal and restore in you. 
Watch the full message to go deeper into this teaching, and come rise up with us in person this Saturday at 6 PM. We'd love to have you.

Taking It Home


Discipleship happens in the home, not just on Saturday night. Here are a few simple ways to bring this message to your family this week.
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Kid-friendly translation

God is not upset when you mess up while trying to obey Him. He is proud of you for trying! Just like when you were learning to walk and you fell down a lot, God celebrates every wobbly step you take toward Him.

Dinner table prompt

Tell us about a time you tried something new and it felt scary or wobbly at first. What happened?

Bedtime question for younger kids

What is one brave thing you did today, even if it felt a little scary?

Family challenge

This week, when someone in your family messes up while trying something good or brave, celebrate the wobble together instead of pointing out the fall. Say out loud, "I'm proud of you for trying."

Verse to memorize together

Philippians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

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