One of the most taught stories is Matthew 14 about Jesus walking on the water. The story is not so much about how great it was for Jesus to walk on water, but rather how Peter rose and then fell when he got on the water.
The wind is howling and it is late and dark (about 3 a.m.). The lake is rough and the waves are high. Though several of the apostles spent most of their life in a boat, they’re still worried. But when they see what appears to be a ghost walking towards them on the whitecaps, they get really scared. Then the figure speaks and they recognize a familiar voice–it is the Lord!
Remember the old saying “fools rush in where angels fear to tred?” Well here goes Peter: “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you across the water.” The Lord takes him up on it. “Come!” he says. So Peter gives it a try. The first few steps go great and he’s pumped. But funny thing–when the Lord told him to come, he neglected to calm the wind and the waves. And as Peter, far from the security of the boat and the company of his buddies, finds himself buffeted by strong gusts and swirling waves, fear gets the best of him. He begins to sink. Remembering that Jesus is not too far off, he has the sense to cry out “Lord save me!”
The Lord fishes him out and then gently rebukes him. Jesus doesn’t say that Peter has no faith. After all, he had more faith than the other eleven—at least he stepped out of the boat. But Jesus’ statement is telling: “how little faith you have! Why did you falter?”
What do this story teach us about life? Here are a few things to remember:
1. In spite of the presence of our Lord, there will be storms surrounding us. The trials of living are not going to go away because we are believers. The enemy, the old Devil, wants us to be in the middle of storms for our whole life. He wants us to blame God for troubles. He wants us to take our eyes off of the Lord.
2. Jesus, called Peter towards Him. He does the same for us. We are called to go to the Lord. In life we are either moving towards the Lord, or we are moving away from Him.
3. As Peter did, when our eyes are focused on the Lord, we can do anything. Peter walked on water when he was looking at Jesus. We too can accomplish great things when we are truly focused on the Lord. But when we take our eyes off of him, look out . . .
4. Peter sank into the water when he took his eyes off of the Lord. In an instance, he went from the presence of the Lord to near death. Life events can change dramatically. When Peter began to sink, he called out for the Lord to save him.
5. When we call upon the Lord, he hears us and rescues us. Of course, it came with a rebuke of having little faith. But it was a life lesson on keeping our eyes on the Lord.
During a trial or a test in life, who will you turn to. Will you look up to Heaven, or will you look at your surroundings and turn to earthly things? Take a lesson from Peter, look up!
Blessings,
Jody
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