Matthew 14:26-32 (ESV)
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,
they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be
afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to
you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked
on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind,[a] he was afraid,
and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately
reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little
faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Peter exhibited GREAT faith when he stepped out on the
water... but then he allowed his immediate surroundings to hinder his walk!
Peter's faith began with a tremendous bold step, but it required a level of
focus that he wasn't used to. Follow through.... that was the problem; those
pesky waves, and the way he usually thought about and experienced water; (not
something that generally supports your feet)...
We all know what Peter should have done, right? Keep his
eyes on the Lord, NOT the waves!!! That's easy for us to say. But how many of
us have ever stepped out of the boat? I didn't notice any of the other
disciples playing follow the leader with Peter.
I see two things from this: First, put a little adventure
into your life; step out on the water; you might actually enjoy the
exhilaration and really glorify God on the way. And secondly, If and when you
do, learn from Peter's mistake. Make sure you live life keeping your focus on
the Lord (not on your own spiritual ambitions)...because you can be totally
confident the waves will come, once you're out of the boat. But watching the
Lord of Life walking there with you will give you the vision to follow through.
Dear Lord, we pray that when adventure comes in our life
we will be ready to walk on the water without fear of sinking. Help us keep our
trust in You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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