The 3 Essentials: All You Need for Success in Life by Casey Treat Read Free Book Online Page A

because I don’t know what most of those ingredients are, let alone how to pronounce them. However, I take the risk every day, trusting that the people who made those vitamins are honest and know more than me, that they are actually filling the capsules with something other than sugar, and that by swallowing the tablets I’m going to feel better. So it’s safe to say we are all risk takers in one way or another; some are just more intentional in their risk taking than others.
    I realize it’s important for people to feel a sense of security; it’s part of our human makeup to gravitate toward those things that we think are safe, both physically and emotionally. Many times we put our trust and security in things like the government, Social Security, or our union affiliation. But, really, how secure are any of these organizations? And what kind of guarantees are there in the political, cultural, or economic systems in our various countries? All of these can rise and fall, can come and go, but there is only One who remains the same through any political turmoil, any cultural deterioration, or any economic downturn. Jesus and His Word are the sole foundations any person can put his trust in and build his life upon.

Water Walker or Boat Stayer?
    Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (Matthew 22-31)

    This is an incredible story, and many of us have probably seen the painting of Peter walking on the water, beginning to sink, and Jesus reaching out His hand to save him. But I think we should repaint that picture to demonstrate what happened just moments before, because more incredible than the image of Jesus lending a hand to the sinking Peter is simply the visual of that brave man who risked his life to step out in faith and walk on the water! The rest of those turkeys stayed in the boat, where they thought they’d be safer. I want to see a scene clearly depicting these two types of people: water walkers and boat stayers.
    Boat stayers don’t need God to do much in their lives because they are trusting in the natural supplies of the world, and they don’t think outside the realms of this context. It didn’t occur to the other disciples to get out of the boat; they were just trying to wrap their minds around the fact Jesus was out there on the water. Even after Peter jumped out of the boat and they saw him walking, they still didn’t think to participate. Any one of them could have decided to join in on the miracle, but they didn’t have the faith. Boat stayers are analytical and try to figure everything out first before taking any risks. They have to create a plan, a budget, and other options in case the first one starts to go under. They need to feel secure.
    A friend of mine was telling me how excited he was about the new health insurance policy his company was now providing. It was an excellent plan and covered