(Matthew 14:29,30) “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”
I have read the historical account of Peter walking on water numerous times. I have heard messages on the account many times. Often, sermons on this account focus on the fact that Peter took his eyes off the Lord, the object of his faith, and because of this, he began to sink. But what if we take a different perspective? Let the boat represent the comfortable ease and safety we have, and let stepping out mean we are attempting to give up those things for the cause of Christ. Afterall, Peter stepped out in a demonstration of faith. When he began to sink, he cried out “Lord, save me” and the Lord was right there to save him.
Have you ever considered the tremendous faith and courage Peter demonstrated just by stepping out of the boat? Here are three of them:
The Logical was ignored. Peter was a fisherman. He was accustomed to being around water and boats and I dare say that he understood the science of water and sinking. Yet, he said “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” (Matthew14:28). Peter, though having all this knowledge, ignores it to exercise faith in his Lord. As a software engineer, I would have factored in the certainty of sinking, whether I had the ability to swim, and whether I wanted to get wet. I would have tried to determine the outcome of leaving the comfort of the boat versus the possibility of dying. Yet Peter ignores all that to trust his Savior. When was the last time you attempted something for the Lord while ignoring worldly logic?
The impossible was attempted. While the Bible did not mention this, I am sure Peter had never seen a mere mortal walk on water before. In fact, the disciples thought the figure walking on the water was a spirit (Matthew 14:26). Peter, somehow wanting to test the Lord, said “…Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water (Matthew 14:28).” In spite of his doubt, he still attempted, and most importantly, accomplished the impossible. He stepped out of the boat. He walked on the water. It was William Carey who said: “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” When was the last time you attempted the great things for your Lord?
The obvious fear was realized. Courage is not the absence of fear. Peter did not allow his fear to cripple him. In the midst of his fear, he stepped out of the boat, and he walked on water. The Bible does not mention how many steps Peter took before he took his eyes off the Lord and saw the “wind boisterous.” But there is a comparison here to our Christian walk. Have you been faithfully serving the Lord and joyfully walking with Him and slipped because you saw the wind boisterous around you? Have you taken your eyes off the Author and Finisher of your faith? Cry out to him and He will be there to help.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14: 30, 31).
When was the last time you stepped out of the boat for your Lord, ignoring worldly logic and attempting the impossible despite your fears?
