“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” – Matthew 14:26-29
There are moments in life when an opportunity presents itself and that opportunity seems impossible. Fear clouds our judgement and often holds us back from seizing the possibilities right in front of us.
I can only begin to imagine the fear that gripped the disciples when they saw Jesus walking on the water. Surely, as they looked out across the sea, they must have thought their eyes were playing tricks on them. After all, they were tired. It had been a full day with Jesus as he taught the people and then fed the multitude with just a few loaves of bread and two fish. It was now evening, and they were making the long journey across the Sea of Galilee.
As Jesus approached the boat the disciples were confused and “terrified.” Jesus calms their fears by calling out to his disciples. He tells them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” This brought some comfort to Peter who called back and offered to come out on the water if it truly was Jesus. Jesus invited him to, “Come.”
Peter stepped out on the water in what had to be one of the most amazing and terrifying moments of his life. Peter stood on the water. He took several steps! What an adventure. What an historical moment. Sadly, it did not take long for him to begin to sink as fear seized him, once again.
This scripture teaches us an important point about living life with a faith that gives us courage. Peter “Saw the wind, he was afraid.” He began to sink. Had he kept his focus on Jesus, his journey on the water would have ended differently.
Our faith does not teach us to ignore the reality of the dangers around us, it teaches us to trust the One who calls us out of the safety of the boat and into new and wonderful possibilities. Our focus determines our journey. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will find a life full of adventure, maybe we will even find ourselves walking on water.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
