I’ve never tried to walk on water. Have you? If Peter can do it, I think we all can–if we have the right mindset and trust. But Peter started to sink, and I’m sure we would, too. I don’t know about you, but I tend to overthink everything. That’s exactly what Peter did. Jesus’ words are ringing in my head, “Why did you doubt me?”
We are all guilty of that doubt from time to time. Our faith can falter with the breeze. If we encounter a stumbling block or even a roadblock in our lives, we tend to seize up and become stuck. We were not promised a trouble-free life. We were promised to never be alone. We were promised to be loved no matter what.
Peter was pretty bold at first, wasn’t he? He got right out of that boat. That is something to be applauded. How many of us stay in the boat where it’s safe and familiar? How many of us are bold enough to venture out into uncharted waters? Growth is not going to happen in our lives if we settle for what’s comfortable. We need to stretch ourselves and challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be.
The disciples had a front-row seat to watch Jesus, the Son of God, in the flesh! They had first-hand knowledge of his teachings, were witness to his healings, and had access to his life-changing love and acceptance. Even still, they still doubted and questioned. Seeing him walking on water and rescuing Peter in this scene ended with their worship, and they exclaimed at last, “You really are the Son of God!”
Really? Would we have been as hard-headed? What has it taken for us to believe? Is our faith dependent upon something like answered prayer or being a witness to a miracle? We have been privileged to have the Bible to guide us. We have been able to commune with other believers and remember Jesus’ words over and over.
Yet, I have never walked on water. Have you? What is it going to take for us to get out of the boat?
Let’s pray. Lord, I falter a bit when I imagine myself walking on water. I don’t think it’s really the water I need to walk on as much as it is getting out of my comfort zone to do the amazing things you want me to do. Help me to have focused faith. Help me to not look around and let doubt creep in. May I keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
