How did Peter get back to the boat?
The storm threatened the disciples' lives and, worse, their faith. They doubted and feared, even when Jesus appeared. He reassured them. He invited Peter to join him, walking on the water. And he did!
Have you ever walked on water? Impossible. Except when the Creator and Master of the sea gives different orders. "Hold him up. Keep him afloat."
Peter's faith combines with the special obedience of the sea. He walks on the stormy water, still crashing into the boat behind him, and into his hips threatening to knock him down. But he doesn't notice these things.
He's focused on Jesus. He's not looking down. But then he looks down. He loses faith. Doubt seizes him again. He's no longer partnered with the commands of Jesus for the sea to hold him, and he plunges into the depths.
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31)
Doubt didn't help Peter. Doubt doesn't help you. It never does, at least when it comes to the promises of Jesus. Doubt yourself. Doubt the weather forecast. Doubt stock futures. Doubt your team will win. But don't doubt Jesus. It only makes things worse.
Jesus doesn't doubt that Peter can walk on water. He helps him up. And the next verse says, "they climbed into the boat" (v. 32). How did Peter get there? The Bible doesn't say. Possibly, Jesus carried him. But that doesn't really fit.
I see Peter walking on the water back to the boat. And the storm hadn't stilled yet, either. But Peter realized that when Jesus makes a promise, nothing has the right to take our eyes off the reality of that promise always being true.
"You of little faith," Jesus is saying to you. "Why do you doubt?" There's just no good reason. None. You may be sinking, struggling, swimming in scary waters. Jesus doesn't doubt. He's convinced you can walk on water, too. In his grace, he reaches out and pulls you up.
Now, in faith, take that step. And another. And another …
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, this is incredible! This feeling of solid water under my feet isn't normal. It shouldn't be happening. Something even more amazing is true, though. The grip of your strong yet gentle hand pulling me up. Lifting me above what I fear. Securing me even in the storm. It shouldn't be happening. I don't deserve it. But I love it, and I love you. I appreciate your mercy, your forgiveness. Another chance. Your confident call, "Walk. You can do it." Jesus, you and I can do anything! Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read the account of Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14:28-33. Look for details you may have missed previously. Peter called Jesus on his promise (v. 28), but put himself into the "if this is true then _____" scenario. Where can you call Jesus on his promise in your faith? And not just, "Jesus, are you sure?" But, "Jesus, then I'm going to ______ and I need your promise to be absolutely true." When did Jesus calm the storm (v. 32)? What does this imply about Jesus and Peter walking back to the boat? What does this timing mean for your faith (and walking) in storms?
Daron Lindemann
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