In Matthew 14:24-33 is the account of the disciples of Jesus, who were told by Jesus to get into their ship and go before him to the other side of the sea...while He went up to a mountain to pray...the disciples found themselves in the midst of a storm in the middle of the night, having rowed many hours and still not getting to the other side...when out on the water they see someone walking towards them, and they are frightened, thinking it's a spirit. But it was Jesus. Peter must have been so relieved it was Jesus that he asked if he could walk out to Him on the water.
I often think of how this account of walking on water applies to my life. As soon as I step out of that boat to do an 'impossible' mortal action – walk on water in the midst of a dark night in a tumultuous storm – in other words, "Come unto Christ"...I have committed my life, my faith and my trust to Him.
Jesus came to the disciples on the ship after they had toiled in the storm til the fourth watch...a very long time. They were afraid but He comforted them.
Even without actually being able to see Jesus clearly, Peter extends faith to come to Jesus – on the water. Jesus offered the invitation that He always does, “Come.”
Our walk through mortality is like walking on the water.
Jesus tells us to “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” and “Come.” Jesus gives us everything we need to walk that walk of mortality towards Him and Eternal Life. But mortal as we are, and this fallen world being as it is, we turn our heads at times and loose sight of the Master, however temporary, then we sink.
But He who has promised to deliver us to the Father by showing us the Way, stands ever present to reach down and lift us up.
Peter cried, “Lord, save me.” And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him and said unto him, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
The key appears to be that even a little faith will save me, so long as I get out of the safety of the boat and come to the Master.
It requires courageous effort on my part, it requires doing sometimes hard things, it requires great faith, it requires complete trust in Him.
It requires me to know that He will be there...even when I falter and sink.
Why ever do we doubt?
Be not afraid. Only believe.
