Deep Water

Growing Daily

Deep Water

Stormy weather in our area always brings out the surfers. Seeing them skimming through the waves this past weekend made me think about Peter. What must it have been like for him to actually walk on water?

Think about it... standing in a boat staring down at the dark, ominous depths — no land in sight, wind howling and waves churning beneath you… and then you step out.

The Bible doesn’t tell us how many steps Peter took before his surroundings overwhelmed his faith.  We tend to focus on Peter's failure.  He became afraid.  What am I doing out here?! 

But to Peter’s credit, he got out of the boat when none of the other disciples did.

Have you ever hesitated to step out in faith because you’re afraid? What if things get difficult?  What if I start to sink? 

Notice what happened to Peter when he started going down: “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him” (Matthew 14:31).

Jesus rescued Peter right out there on the water where He had called him. Peter's faith faltered, but Jesus was still right there with him. Stepping out in faith doesn’t mean we’ll never be afraid or never start to sink.  But we're never beyond His reach.

Today, don't let the possibility of failure keep you in the boat.  When Jesus calls you to step out, remember Who is already out there with you.


- Ron Reid