“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28 NIV
We all face challenges in life, times of uncertainty when we’re not really sure how things are going to turn out and we wrestle with fear. This was one of those nights for the disciples. It was dark and stormy and they were out in the middle of the lake, far from the safety of the shore, when they saw something or someone coming toward them and they cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 NIV
They thought they recognized the voice of Jesus, but they couldn’t be completely sure, after all, they never expected Jesus to be walking on the water! There will be times when we’ll face unexpected situations in life and we may struggle to discern if God is involved. Peter got it right, when he said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come...” Those words should be our philosophy of life!
Lord, if it’s you…
Lord, no matter how difficult this situation is, if you’re in it, tell me to come!
Lord, if this situation is your plan for me, I’m in!
Lord, even though I can’t see through the darkness, if you’re there, I want to be there!
Lord, I have no idea how this is going to turn out, but I want to walk through this with you!
…tell me to come to you on the water.
Lord, if you are doing something amazing, I want to be part of it!
Lord, I’m scared, but I trust you enough to step out of the boat if you tell me to come!
“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!” Matthew 14:29-30 NIV
Peter had the courage to get out of the boat! Do you have the same courage?
As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he could accomplish the impossible. But when he focused on the circumstance, he began to sink.
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Matthew 14:31a NIV
Lord, whatever I may face today, if you’re involved, I’m in. Tell me to come, and give me the courage to step out of the boat. Help me keep my eyes on you and if I should begin to sink, remind me to cry out to you.