Matthew 14:25-33 (NKJV) Jesus Walks on the Sea
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night [just before dawn] Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Are you a brave person? Can you accomplish great things for the Kingdom? The details of this story tell us that we need to take chances and be brave. In fact, it gets more specific and mentions the “F” word. You know, faith!
The disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee as Jesus had instructed them. The wind and waves were against them so it was not easy going. All of a sudden, they thought they saw someone walking toward them on the water and they were terrified. They thought it was a ghost. Little did they know it was the Holy Ghost. Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter, always the bold impetuous one, said “command me to come to You on the water” and then the crazy son of a gun got out of the boat! He was afraid of a ghost but stepped out on to the water? I don’t get that. He actually walked on the water for a little while.
How about you? Are you willing to get out of the boat? Are you bold for the Lord? Most people are not. They are timid. Society teaches us we should not speak about religion or politics in polite company. In my opinion, if you don’t speak about these things, the day will come when you will no longer have the chance. We notice, in the story, that Peter is OK for a while but then begins to sink. Why is that? As soon as he took his eyes off Jesus, he was distracted by the wind and began to sink. Isn’t that a lot like us? Don’t we start out great with a vision, walking on water but lose sight of the Creator of that vision and begin to sink? What lesson can we learn here that will help us achieve the destiny God has created for us? Simply said, keep your eye on the prize and that prize is Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 (ESV) says “2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” He will make all things possible. So, will you begin to be bold for the Lord? When you hear of someone’s difficulties, will you ask if you can pray for them? Will you invite them to Church? What steps will you take to encourage them in their faith? 2 Timothy 1: (NKJV) says “7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Today, be bold. Be powerful, knowing whose power you wield. Speak out with the sword of the Spirit. He will direct you in what to say. People are looking for a relationship with God. It may be through you that they find Him.
Father, give us the faith we need to trust You. We lose focus and turn our eyes away from you and begin to sink into the darkness. Reach out Your hand to us before we sink sending us a reminder of Your love and support. Be our Help and Shield today and every day. In Your name we pray.