“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
– Matthew 14:28-31
![]() Yesterday, we talked about the feelings we have when Jesus leaves us in the storms of our lives a little longer than we want Him to, but how He always ultimately comes to us on the water and delivers us. Today, we are going to pick it up with the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s experience following in His footsteps. It’s interesting how Peter wants to come to Jesus on the water as soon as he realizes that His Savior has come. I don’t know about you, but I really admire his enthusiasm and faith. Full of trust, before he stops to think about what Jesus is calling him to do, he steps out of the boat and begins to tread the water. However, when he’s almost to Him, Peter becomes aware of his surroundings, doubts his ability and sinks, only to be caught by His Savior. When Jesus asked Peter why he doubted, what did He mean? I believe He meant why did you doubt that you could do what I can do? As a disciple of the Rabbi, Jesus expected that Peter could and would seek to do the same kinds of miracles He did. His moment of doubt came because he looked at the things he was afraid of rather than looking at the Lord. Friend, you are a disciple of the miracle-working Rabbi Jesus, so don’t let fear stop you. No matter how much trepidation you feel, you can move toward Him. When Peter stepped out on the waves, he was still scared; in fact, he probably had all kinds of emotions going on in his heart and body. He didn’t like the water, but he knew that Jesus was there, so he went. This is what living a life of faith is about. It’s not about not feeling emotions, including fear, it’s about taking just one simple step out of the boat, even though you’re scared. You can step out on the water, and even if you sink, He’ll save you! Isn’t that good news? |
Prayer
God, thank you for giving me the ability to walk on the water toward you. I commit to keeping my eyes focused on your power so that I can do it afraid.
Reflection
Do you remember a time in your life when you have stepped out in faith even though you were afraid? How did it change you?