“Is this really happening?” Peter thought, “I’m actually walking on water!” His eyes were fixed on Jesus. His heart was beating faster than Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Christmas Eve/Sarajevo, and he had totally forgotten about the winds and waves.
Uh-oh.
Yeah. The winds and the waves got the best of Peter in that moment. Most of us know the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water. Most of us understand that Peter was walking on the water because the Lord Jesus was giving him the supernatural ability to do so.
Even though we know the story, we often forget, just like Peter did, that Jesus empowers His people to do the impossible through His provision. We forget in the midst of chaos, just like Peter did, that Jesus is trustworthy.
Yes. You and I, living in 2018, are empowered and enabled every day to live remarkable lives through trusting Jesus and trusting His provision. Even in the midst of chaos. Jesus prepares us physically and spiritually, and Jesus never leaves us.
Jesus prepares us for His callings. For example, Jesus instructed Peter to get into the boat with the other disciples and to go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. That’s not a crazy command. But Jesus knew Peter had to be in the right place (in the boat on the sea) at the right time (during the storm) in order for this call to trust to take place.
Peter had also been prepared spiritually. Miraculous works were not anything new to him. Peter just witnessed the miracle of Jesus multiplying a handful of bread and fish to feed 5,000 people. Through that miracle, the inevitable conclusion is simple but profound: Jesus provides and Jesus can be trusted.
Jesus is also there for us and is with us the whole time.
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.” – Matthew 14:29 b-31 a
Jesus had never left Peter, but was standing ready to rescue him the moment he doubted.
Jesus is trustworthy. His provisions are tangible and physical, like the food for the 5,000 and the power of Peter walking on water. His provisions are also spiritual. He gave Peter the ability to have faith in His power; and His death and resurrection provide a way for us to be reconciled to God.
Over the last few years, I have noticed that God is empowering me to trust Him in the little day-to-day things. This, in turn, pushes me to step out of my comfort zone during the chaos and to trust Him with bigger things and with the completely unknown things. Just like Jesus called Peter to literally step out of the boat, He is calling you and me to do the same.
Let’s commit to trusting God with what He’s called us to do. Let’s be like Peter and say,
“‘Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come to You on the water.’” – Matthew 14:28
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