Exodus 4-6 Matthew 14:22-36

“Peter said, ‘Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water.’ Jesus said, ‘Come.’ And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, ‘Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:28-31 NCV)

After feeding the 5000, Jesus finally got some time to be alone with God, although He had to walk on water to make it happen. As He walked back to the boat, the disciples, fighting the storm, saw Jesus walking towards them. In their fear, they cried out, only to be reassured by Jesus. Peter, then, responded in faith, asking Jesus to command him to go to Jesus. When Jesus called, Peter obeyed and stepped out on the water. One step, two steps, maybe three, and then Peter realized that he was on the water and he began to sink. He called out to Jesus in fear, and Jesus pulled him out of the water. Then, Jesus rebuked him for his doubt.

That last rebuke is one of those things I’ll be able to explain in about 150 years, to steal a line blatantly from my pastor. Peter may have doubted, but he sure showed more faith than any of the others. He alone stepped out of the boat. He alone took a few steps on the water. Whatever the cause, this reminds us that we have to be willing to attempt the impossible in our service to God. Anyone can ride in the boat, even when the waters are rough; it takes a special kind of faith to step out on the water even when the seas are calm. Step out today. Attempt the impossible, but know that Jesus is always there to lift us up.

Lord, call me to the physically impossible. Give me the faith to accept that call. Keep supporting me each step of the way as I follow in obedience.

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.