Step out the boat!

Peter walks on the water with Jesus

Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

Matthew 14:28-29

One of my favorite stories in the New Testament is when Peter steps out the boat and walks with Jesus on the water. What I love the most about this account is that Peter is actually the initiator, asking Jesus to call him out onto the water. Most people forget this significant detail. Jesus didn't simply choose Peter out of the twelve disciples to participate in what he was doing - Peter chose Jesus! He wanted to experience the supernatural. My biggest take away from that is that sometimes we have to take the initiative with God and ask him to empower us to do mighty things. Peter was inspired when he saw his Lord doing the impossible by walking on the Sea of Galilee.

I wonder what the other eleven disciples on the boat were thinking while watching this all transpire in front of them. Were they inspired? Were they critical of Peter? As the story concludes Peter is walking towards Jesus on the sea and doing well at first. Then the wind and waves began to intensify. Peter began to fear and sink. Jesus reached out and grabbed Peter, pulling him back up and said, "You have so little faith, why did you doubt me?" I'm not sure if Jesus said this with concern in his voice, or jokingly with a smile but I like to believe that Jesus was proud of him.

I've heard people over the years give Peter a hard time for not being able to withstand the choppy water on his own two feet. But here are the facts - Peter is the only person in recorded history to walk on the water with Jesus. It's easy for us to be critical as bystanders when we see someone "step out of the boat" so to speak and attempt the impossible. That boat had eleven other disciples in it and none of them can claim that they've walked on the water. I say good for Peter for at least trying, and I choose to be inspired by his faith in my own life. Taking opportunities in life, spiritual or otherwise, even though I know I can't do it on my own and need God's help.

My prayer today is that you choose to do the same! Cheers friends.

#walkingonthewater #Jesus #stepouttheboat #Matthew14 #Bible #Peter