Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Matthew 14:24-32 NLT
When the disciples set sail they had no idea that in just a few hours a storm would roll in and they would be fighting heavy waves. Most storms that I’ve encountered in life have come with little or no warning. Timing really is everything. It wouldn’t have been a problem if the storm had started before they got in the boat or after they had safely arrived at their destination, but that wasn’t the case. The storm came at the most inopportune time, when they were far away from the safety of land. We all have those things that make us feel more secure, resources that we depend on when life takes an unexpected turn, but in the most difficult of storms we often learn that our resources are just not enough. In those times we need what only God can provide.
At about three o’clock in the morning, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the storm, in the middle of the darkness, when they were in trouble, when they were fighting to stay afloat, Jesus came toward them. They certainly weren’t expecting Him! They were in the middle of the lake, far from the shore. They were on their own, in a small boat, with no one else around to help. No one, that is, except Jesus! When they were in danger of drowning, far away from any other means of protection, Jesus entered the scene!
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, accomplishing the impossible, he was was drawn to Him. He wasn’t content to stay in the boat, he wanted to walk on the water too. You’ve gotta love Peter! This was a boat full of disciples, not unbelievers, yet Peter was the only one who wanted to get out of the boat and walk with Jesus. I have no doubt that Peter’s request delighted the Lord! Could it be that God sent the storm just to give Peter an opportunity to walk with Him and do the impossible? Was the storm there to build Peter’s faith and afford him the opportunity to experience life with Jesus outside the boat?
That night was life changing for Peter. His relationship with Jesus went to a whole new level. Surely all the disciples had faith in Jesus’ ability to do the impossible, but Peter’s faith was widened to understand that he too could do the impossible when he walked with Jesus and stayed focused on Him! How about you? Are you content to stay in the boat and watch Jesus walk on the water, or do you want to walk on the water with Him?
Enjoy this song as you continue to consider walking on the water with Jesus. Oceans