The Water's Fine

25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." 28 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, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:25-30)

After Jesus - in the midst of his own exhaustion and grief - healed and fed the crowds of people who came to him in need, he finally dismissed the crowd and sent his disciples ahead in a boat as he took time alone to pray. As day turned to evening, and the wind and waves became rough, Jesus walked on the water to meet the disciples in the boat. Though all of the disciples were initially afraid, once reassured that it was Jesus walking toward them, Peter asked Jesus to invite him onto the water. Peter began moving toward Jesus, but when his attention shifted from Jesus to the wind, Peter started to sink.

We often focus on Peter's "lack" of faith and the fact that he took his eyes off of Jesus. But Peter was the only disciple who even contemplated the possibility of walking on the water. It's true that he wound up soaking wet but, in such a storm, it's likely everyone on the boat was wet too. Peter understood that if Jesus commanded, and he obeyed, then whatever happened next would be alright.

Like Peter, we sometimes let the reality of our situation outweigh the possibilities of God's power. But if we're saturated with the desire to obey the One who controls the wind and waves, we won't be afraid to get a little (or a lot) wet.

May God calm the storms within us, so we can withstand the storms without.

31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:31-33)