For years, John Ortberg has been captivating audiences with his unique insights and profound wisdom. As an acclaimed author, pastor, and inspirational speaker, Ortberg has become a leading figure in the realm of spirituality and personal growth. With his latest book hitting the shelves and his teachings resonating with individuals worldwide, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down and interview John Ortberg. In this exclusive conversation, we delved deep into his journey, beliefs, and the transformative power of faith. Join me as we dive into the mind of a man who has touched the lives of countless individuals and continues to ignite a flame of hope and purpose in the hearts of all who encounter his work.
John Ortberg is a renowned American author, speaker, and pastor, known for his insightful teachings and relatable approach to spiritual growth. With a unique ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Ortberg has become a prominent figure within Christian communities worldwide. Through his engaging speaking style and captivating storytelling, he encourages individuals to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith with authenticity and purpose. Ortberg’s insightful books, which highlight the practical aspects of following Jesus in everyday life, have reached millions of readers, leaving a lasting impact on their faith journeys. Whether addressing issues of personal growth, relationships, or navigating life’s challenges, John Ortberg’s wisdom and gentle guidance continue to inspire and equip individuals to live out their faith in meaningful and transformative ways.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with John Ortberg
1. Can you provide ten If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg quotes to our readers?
If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat quotes as follows:
Sure! Here are ten quotes from “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat” by John Ortberg, rearranged in an ordered format:
a) “Every step you take in the quest for God brings that reality more clearly into focus.”
b) “Insight is the result of constant exposure to spiritual truth, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.”
c) “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.”
d) “The safest place to follow Jesus is in the middle of the impossible, where good things happen.”
e) “The life of following Jesus is always on the frontier.”
f) “God is asking us to do something that requires us to recognize that we are utterly and completely dependent on Him.”
g) “Our willingness to start walking is what transforms us.”
h) “Faith does not eliminate our fears; it directs them elsewhere, towards God.”
i) “Your boat may represent the comfort zone you’re afraid to step out of, but God is always calling you to more.”
j) “God’s answers often come in response to our willingness to get up and go.”
Keep in mind that these quotes are rearranged, and the original order might provide a better context for the book’s teachings.
2.What inspired you to write “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain why you felt compelled to explore the topics within it?
I was inspired to write “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat” based on a life-changing incident from my childhood. Growing up, I remember seeing famous tightrope walker Karl Wallenda perform amazing feats, including walking across a high wire over a large crowd. Witnessing his audacious act impacted me deeply, as it made me realize the power of stepping out in faith and taking risks.
This childhood memory became the driving force behind my exploration of the biblical story of Peter walking on water when called by Jesus. I wanted to understand the significance of Peter’s decision to step out of the boat and explore the depths of faith, despite the terrifying circumstances. The book delves into the themes of overcoming fear, embracing failure, and the importance of trusting in God’s guidance.
Through “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat,” I aimed to encourage readers to push past their comfort zones and take bold steps in their journey of faith. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical insights, and practical wisdom, I hoped to inspire and empower others to overcome their fears and live a life that is surrendered to God’s calling.
3.Your book delves into the theme of taking risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Can you provide an overview of the key insights and principles for embracing risk and following one’s calling that readers can find in your book?
In my book, I explore the theme of taking risks and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to truly embrace life and follow one’s calling. I believe that embracing risk is essential for personal growth and discovering our true potential. Throughout the book, I discuss key insights and principles to empower readers in this journey of embracing risk.
One principle I highlight is the importance of self-awareness. Understanding our strengths, interests, and values allows us to make informed decisions and take calculated risks that align with our true calling. I also emphasize the significance of overcoming fear and embracing faith. Risk-taking often involves stepping into the unknown, and faith provides the courage and resilience needed to face challenges and persevere.
Additionally, I discuss the value of seeking wise counsel and building a support network. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who encourage and challenge us can provide valuable guidance and accountability on our risk-taking journey. Finally, I explore the concept of learning from failure and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Overall, my book encourages readers to overcome the fear of stepping out of their comfort zones, embrace risk, and pursue their unique calling with faith, resilience, and support. By doing so, they can discover fulfillment and make a positive impact on the world around them.
4.”If You Want to Walk on Water” emphasizes the role of faith and trust in overcoming fear and uncertainty. How can readers strengthen their faith and take bold steps in their lives, as discussed in your book?
In “If You Want to Walk on Water,” I emphasize the crucial role of faith and trust in overcoming fear and uncertainty. I believe that readers can strengthen their faith and take bold steps in their lives by focusing on a few key principles. Firstly, it is vital to acknowledge that fear and uncertainty are natural, but they should not control us. By recognizing our fears and insecurities, we can confront them head-on and rely on our faith to carry us through difficult situations.
Secondly, cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with God is essential to strengthening our faith. By spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking guidance from God, we can develop a stronger foundation of trust and reliance on Him.
Lastly, readers should be open to taking risks and stepping out of their comfort zones. This might involve pursuing new opportunities, facing challenges, or even embracing failure as a learning experience. By stepping out in faith, we can experience God’s power and provision firsthand.
Overall, “If You Want to Walk on Water” encourages readers to trust in God’s plan, confront fears, deepen their relationship with Him, and take bold steps towards fulfilling their potential.
5.In your book, you discuss the concept of “getting out of the boat” as a metaphor for facing challenges. Could you share personal experiences or examples of individuals who have successfully stepped out of their comfort zones and achieved remarkable results, as inspired by your book?
In my book, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat,” I indeed explore the concept of stepping out of our comfort zones to overcome challenges. One personal experience that comes to mind is that of a woman named Sarah. She had always dreamed of starting her own business but felt trapped in the security of her stable job. Inspired by the book, she finally took the leap and pursued her entrepreneurial passion. Although she faced numerous obstacles along the way, she persevered and ultimately built a successful company, fulfilling her long-held dream.
Another example is Mark, who was initially terrified of public speaking. He constantly avoided opportunities to present in front of others due to his fear of embarrassment. However, after reading my book, he decided to confront his fear head-on. He sought out public speaking opportunities and gradually built his confidence. Eventually, he became a sought-after speaker, impacting countless lives with his powerful messages.
These stories, among many others, illustrate how individuals who embrace the challenge of getting out of their comfort zones can achieve remarkable results. By taking that first step, facing fears, and persistently pursuing their goals, these individuals were able to unlock their true potential and experience personal growth beyond their wildest imaginations.
6.Your teachings often stress the importance of perseverance and resilience. Can you elaborate on the journey of resilience and how readers can develop the inner strength to persevere through life’s challenges, as discussed in your book?
In my book, I emphasize the transformative power of perseverance and resilience in navigating life’s challenges. The journey of resilience begins with recognizing the inevitability of adversity and accepting it as an integral part of the human experience. It is through these trials that we are given the opportunity to grow and develop inner strength.
To cultivate resilience, readers need to foster a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth rather than viewing them as obstacles. They can start by reframing setbacks as stepping stones towards personal and spiritual development. Developing a strong sense of purpose and cultivating a positive outlook further contributes to resilience.
Additionally, building a support system of friends, family, and mentors is crucial. Surrounding oneself with encouraging and like-minded individuals strengthens resilience by providing the necessary emotional and practical support during difficult times.
Ultimately, the key to perseverance lies in unwavering faith and trust in God’s guidance. Through prayer, meditation, and seeking wisdom from spiritual sources, readers can find solace and the inner strength needed to face life’s challenges with resilience and perseverance.
7.”If You Want to Walk on Water” includes practical advice for making courageous choices. Can you provide guidance on how readers can discern their callings and make decisions that align with their deepest values and aspirations, as outlined in your book?
In my book “If You Want to Walk on Water,” I aim to provide practical advice for making courageous choices in life. One of the key aspects addressed is discerning one’s calling and aligning decisions with deepest values and aspirations. Firstly, readers must engage in self-reflection and identify their passions, strengths, and what truly matters to them. By understanding ourselves better, we can discern our purpose and align our decisions accordingly. Secondly, maintaining a deep spiritual connection through prayer and seeking guidance from God is crucial. Spiritual discernment helps us recognize the path that aligns with our deepest values and aspirations. Additionally, cultivating a supportive community that shares similar values and aspirations can greatly aid in decision-making. Engaging in open dialogue, seeking advice, and learning from others’ experiences is invaluable. Lastly, making courageous choices requires stepping out of comfort zones, embracing vulnerability, and being willing to learn from both successes and failures. By following these practices, readers can navigate their calling and stay true to their deepest values and aspirations.
8.Your book encourages readers to embrace risk and trust in God’s guidance. Can you share steps that individuals can take to overcome fear and take courageous steps forward, as inspired by the principles you’ve shared in your book?
In my book, I encourage readers to embrace risk and trust in God’s guidance. To overcome fear and take courageous steps forward, here are a few steps individuals can take:
1. Recognize the presence of fear: Acknowledge that fear is a natural human emotion, but it shouldn’t paralyze you from taking action.
2. Seek God’s guidance: Spend time in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance. Trust that He will lead you on the right path.
3. Embrace uncertainty: Understand that taking risks often means stepping into unfamiliar territory. Embrace the unknown and have faith that God is with you every step of the way.
4. Start small: Begin by taking small, calculated risks. This will help build confidence and momentum as you see positive outcomes.
5. Surround yourself with support: Seek out a strong support system, such as family, friends, or a mentor, who can encourage and provide guidance during times of fear or doubt.
6. Learn from failure: Understand that not every risk will lead to immediate success. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
7. Take action: Ultimately, courage comes from taking action. Step out in faith, knowing that God is faithful and will guide you even in the face of uncertainty.
By following these steps, individuals can overcome fear, embrace risk, and trust in God’s guidance as they take courageous steps forward in life.
9.”If You Want to Walk on Water” offers a path to discovering one’s purpose and embracing a life of faith and courage. Can you describe the transformative journey that readers can embark on by applying the insights and principles presented in your book?
In “If You Want to Walk on Water,” readers can embark on a transformative journey by applying the insights and principles presented in my book. The path begins with recognizing that faith is not about comfort or certainty, but about taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. By embracing this mindset, readers can overcome their fears and find the courage to pursue their purposes.
The book highlights that discovering one’s purpose involves aligning our lives with God’s calling, and this process requires a deepening relationship with Him. Through stories, examples, and biblical teachings, I guide readers to develop a more intimate connection with God, enabling them to discern His will and direction for their lives.
Additionally, the book focuses on the importance of perseverance. I share practical strategies for overcoming challenges and setbacks, encouraging readers to continually rely on God’s strength and promises. By practicing faith alongside perseverance, readers can navigate through life’s uncertainties and experience personal growth and fulfillment.
Overall, through faith, courage, and a dedicated relationship with God, readers can discover their purpose and embrace a life that is transformative, fulfilling, and aligned with God’s plan.
10. Can you recommend more books like If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat?
a) “Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul” by John Eldredge – This book explores the deep desires and longings of the masculine heart, encouraging men to embrace their true identity and purpose in life.
b) “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown – In this thought-provoking book, Brown encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace vulnerability as a path to personal growth, relationships, and success.
c) “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander – This transformative book teaches readers to shift their perspectives and develop a mindset of unlimited possibilities, allowing them to overcome obstacles and embrace their full potential.
d) “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl – This profound memoir shares Frankl’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor and delves into the human search for purpose and meaning. It challenges readers to find meaning in their own lives, even in the face of adversity.
e) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – A timeless classic, this novel follows the journey of a young shepherd boy seeking for his personal legend. It inspires readers to pursue their dreams, confront obstacles, and listen to their hearts in order to find true fulfillment.