Walking On The Water
"So He said "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
But when he saw that the wind was boisterous he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:29-30)
We may not look at living life as like walking on water. But this is more than a miracle here in our text. It's a metaphor for navigating life's uncertainties. When Peter steps out of the boat, he walks on the water towards Jesus, defying natural laws. But the moment he notices the wind and waves, fear overtakes him and he begins to sink. Have your ever been there?
As Christians we feel confident in our Christian walk. We feel like every day we are getting closer to knowing Jesus, and having a good solid relationship with Him; and then we look at our trials, we look at the winds of trouble and turmoil, and that's when we become afraid, and sink in our fear and despair.
Life often mirrors Peter's experience. We step out in faith, trusting God even when circumstances seem impossible. The storms of life---doubt, anxiety, hardship can distract us from the One who sustains us. Yet, just as Jesus immediately reaches out to save Peter, He is always near, ready to lift us when we falter.
A man by the name of Eli, was walking one night beside a lake near his home. He was really struggling with what to do because of his mother's illness. He was drowning in decisions. His job was unstable, along with some other issues as well. He remembered the story of pf Peter, how he stepped out of the boat , eyes locked on Jesus, defying the impossible. Eli whispered, "If Peter could walk on water, maybe I can walk through this." He closed eyes his eyes and imagined the lake as being like his life: unpredictable, deep, and full of unknowns. But then He saw it---not the water, but the hand reaching out. Not the storm, but the voice saying, "Come." The next day, Eli made the call he'd been avoiding. He asked for help. He opened up to some friends. He took one step, then another. The storm didn't vanish, but he wasn't sinking anymore.
The lesson is clear; keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, not the chaos, and you will find the strength to walk through anything! GP