“Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “Tell me to come to you on the water.” Matthew 14:28
Recently while I was away on a trip with a good friend, we were looking for a place to eat. I casually mentioned to him (according to Google Maps) that there was a chain restaurant about 30 minutes away that we were both familiar with. As we were contemplating where we could go, we drove past several local diners and family-owned restaurants. “I dunno… We can eat at those chain restaurants anytime, there’s one of those back home where we live,” my friend replied. “I’m kinda interested in experiencing something different you know? Some of the local flavor.”
Uh-oh. I’m not a fan of the unknown dining establishments. Although I’ve enjoyed some good meals at unfamiliar places in the past, the bad experiences are the ones that I tend to remember most. And those were some really bad toilet-hugging ones. But I caved in. “Sure,” I replied. So we found a place not too far from where we were staying.
It ended up being an awesome experience! The people were friendly, the atmosphere was very welcoming, the service was excellent, and the food was really good. And so the next day we tried another local restaurant and guess what – the food and the service and the people were really good there too! Much better than the chain restaurants I normally go to. Both ended up being great experiences!
That day when Peter and the rest of his fellow disciples were on the Sea of Galilee in their boat, they encountered some wind and waves. They looked across the way and saw Jesus standing in the middle of the water. They became incredibly frightened.
“It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately identified himself and gave them two commands. It is me! Take courage! Don’t be afraid.”
When Peter woke up that morning, he had no idea that he was going to play a role in one of Jesus’ incredible miracles talked about in the Bible. It ended up being a day that none of them would ever forget however, especially Peter.
“If it is you, Lord, tell me to come to you,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “Come.”
Initially, we can envision Peter’s faith and courage as he gently places his one foot into the water, and then the other. He’s standing! On water! And he has a huge smile as he lets go of the boat and takes a couple of steps. But then, from out of nowhere, a strong gust of wind and the waves distract him. Peter suddenly looks around, taking his eyes off of Jesus. And just like that – he begins to sink.
“You of little faith… why did you doubt me?” Jesus asks, as he carries Peter back to the boat. Isn’t it interesting that Matthew records no response from Peter to Jesus’ question? Then again, no response was needed. Peter’s faith was overcome by fear and doubt. And that’s something that all of us can relate to.
But kudos to Peter. He could’ve stayed safe and sound in the boat that day, but he chose to take a step of faith. And although he took his eyes off Jesus for a split second and began to sink, Jesus saved him. Although it was a quick lesson, Peter was introduced to the limitless power of his faith in Christ. And too, he was quickly reminded that faith and fear cannot coexist.
As I read Matthew’s account of Peter this morning, I felt God’s conviction.
“Scott, if you’re not bold enough to exercise your faith in something as trivial as eating at an unfamiliar diner, what does that say about some of the more important areas in your life where you’ve allowed doubt and fear to overcome your faith in me? Why are you so eager to settle for comfort and safety when there’s a far greater experience waiting on the other side for you? Why do you doubt me?”
Today’s Prayer:
Lord, help us to be bold like Peter that day when he stepped from the boat into the water. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you and your promises. You said that you will never leave us nor forsake us, regardless of the storms we encounter in life. Remind us of your faithfulness to us. Help us to remember the numerous times in the past when you’ve reached out your hand to save us. Help us to be courageous and unafraid. Help us remain strong and faithful in our journey, and challenge us to grow in our walk with you, Lord. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 