Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” 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. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.” Matthew 14:22-33 NLT
I think often we read this story of Peter walking on water and we think “Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Why didn’t he trust Jesus?” I used to do that. Now, I realize I act like Peter on a pretty regular basis.
One day, I’ll be really bold in my prayers. I say prayers like “Father God, I want to live for you! I want to do _________________. No matter what, please make my life what you want it to be.”
Then things start to shift and change and my prayers become something like “I can’t do this. What are you doing? This is scary.” When I do this, I am Peter. One day I am bold and courageous, standing outside the boat. Next day I am insecure and afraid, jumping back into the boat.
I love Jesus’ response to Peter. I don’t think he criticized him. He just asked the questions I so often hear in my spirit. “Why don’t you trust me?” I love how the Message puts it. Jesus says to Peter “Faint-heart, what got into you?” That’s me some days. Faint-heart.
There are a few things that encourage me as I jump in and out of the boat. Jesus knows my inclination to want to feel “safe.” But because He loves me so very much, He’s working with me. Like Peter, he gently encourages me to trust Him. Can you imagine the conversation Peter and Jesus had as they walked back to the boat?
Another thing that encourages me is Peter’s life. He went on to deny Jesus (guess he was jumping back into the boat at that moment). But, in 2 Peter 1:3-4 he says:
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (NLT)
Peter figured out how to trust Jesus’ promises. Shortly after he wrote this, he went on to be crucified for his faith. History says that he asked to be crucified upside down. Guess in this moment he was out of the boat and he stayed there. He stayed out in the storm.
I am so thankful that Jesus never gives up on us. He keeps working with us…getting us to the place where we trust Him. Like Peter, I want to dig into the promises and know that no matter what, I can stay out of the boat because that is where I am truly safe. How about you?