“When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ ‘Lord if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said.” Matthew 14:26-29
If I were to ask my young grandchildren about the story of Jesus walking on the water, I bet most of them would know the details. They might not understand the theology, but they know that when Jesus called, a man listened and got out of the boat.
All around the world today, thousands upon thousands of people have heard the call of Jesus and are walking on the stormy waters of sin. What do you suppose those other disciples said while Peter walked toward Jesus? If I had to guess, I would imagine it went something like,
“Get back in the boat. You’re being foolish. Be like the rest of us.”
Is Jesus asking you to walk on water in faith and follow Him? Has Jesus called you to stand up for your family and be a prayer warrior? Are you being asked to be a prayer warrior for a prodigal spouse or child? We’ve read that Jesus “immediately” answered when the Disciples called. He is immediately available when each of us cries for His help. The Lord may not “immediately” heal every wound you have, but He will soon have you walking on water in faith.
Have you ever known Christians who are not disturbed by anything? It looks like they are in an impossible situation for the rest of us, but their faith is not shaken. Those people are water-walkers. They know that Jesus has called, “Come,” and that He will not allow them to sink.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 26:30-32
In Matthew chapter 14, verses 29 to 32, we read of Peter’s walk. He was out of the boat and walking on water until “he saw the wind.” We do not read that the winds affected him, but only that he “saw” the wind. Many people have heard God’s call, are out of the boat, and then see the wind. It might be the wind of marital strife, financial problems, or problems with family members. Maybe it is a job situation or loneliness that has invaded your life.
Remember, if Jesus has called, and you are walking on the water in faith, toward answered prayer, your giving up is the only thing that will allow you to sink. When the winds blow, ask Jesus to calm them. Ask the Lord to give you faith as you wait on His timing.
Are you still sitting in the boat while your family crumbles? Do you sense God’s will is for you to walk on the water, with Jesus, for family restoration? Do you know He will not let you go under? Then, get out of the boat and walk in faith towards the Lord!
God bless,
