Walk on water – faith to walk on the water with Jesus
It’s Time to Walk on the Water with Jesus
In Matthew 14 we read the story about Jesus walking on the water. Jesus had just miraculously fed 5000 men plus all the women and children with only two fish and five loaves of bread. After words, “Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home (vs. 22), and the He would stay there and pray.
Jesus prayed late into the night and then in verse 23 it says, about three in the morning Jesus left to join His disciples on the other side. However, instead of getting in a boat He begin walking across the surface of the sea. Jesus was walking on the water.
Sea of Life has Storms
The disciples were struggling to get to the other side because of a strong storm. (vs. 24). They had been rowing their boat for hours and still had not made it across the sea due to the raging storm. As Christians we are in the “boat of faith” and we are sailing on the sea of life crossing to the other side, which is the purpose and destiny God has for us. Along the way there are storms in life that try to hinder us from getting to the other side. The sea of life has storms.
Now Jesus catches up with the disciple’s boat and when they see Him, they are terrified thinking it was a ghost, but Jesus cried out to them, “Don’t be afraid…Take courage, I am here!” (vs. 27) Peter shouted back, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” Jesus responded, “Yes, come.”
Jesus Is With You – He is with You in the Storm
No matter where you are or what you’re going through. Regardless of the storms or trouble your facing – JESUS IS WITH YOU. He is here with YOU and He is ready to help you get through the storm. He is saying to you like He said to Peter “Don’t be afraid…Take courage, I am here!” (vs. 27).
Peter Gets Out of the Boat
Most of us know the rest of the story, how Peter got out of the boat and began to sink and had to be rescued by Jesus. Most messages and teachings on this story focus on the failures of Peter and his lack of faith. However, it is Peters courageous step of faith to step out of that boat that intrigues me.
There are two very interesting things about this story;
- Peter is the only one who got out of the boat. Notice all twelve disciples were in the boat, but only Peter had the courage to get out of the boat.
- Peter DID walk on the water! The storm was still raging when he stepped out of the boat. The winds were howling, and the waves were crashing all around him, yet Peter walked on the water.
It is Your Chance to Walk on the Water
Like Peter, you can “walk on the water” through whatever storm you are facing. Jesus is saying to you “Come”. He’s probably not asking you to literally walk on water, but He is asking you to trust Him and to do what He says for you to do. It is time for you to get out of your boat and walk on the water you need to walk on with Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us to, “walk by faith and not by sight.” (read message on “How to live by faith.“) In other words, we are to live by faith in God and His Word. We are to trust Him above what we feel or see. Regardless of what a situation may look like, or what our experiences have been, we are to place our complete trust and faith in God and His Word! Maybe this is your chance to walk on the water with Jesus.
Peter Took His Eyes of Jesus
As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus, Peter walked on the water with Jesus. However, when Peter began to think about how strong the wind was and how high the waves were – he began to sink. The winds weren’t any stronger and waves weren’t any bigger, what changed? Peter’s focus! As soon as he focused on his circumstances instead of Jesus, he began to sink
Keep Your Focus on Jesus
Do you want to “walk on water” with Jesus? Then keep your focus on Jesus. Hebrew 12:2 says “Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,”. If things get worse, don’t let your focus move off of Jesus. The winds in your life may be howling and the waves may appear to be sinking your boat, just keep your focus on Jesus – He is the finisher of your faith.
What do you need God to do in your life today?
Jesus is faithful! You can put your trust in Him! That is what “walking by faith” means. Faith believes God will fulfill His promises – not can or maybe or might, but He WILL! God watches over His Word to perform. All of His promises are yes and amen.
Whatever you need – whatever storms you are facing God is there to help. You can walk on the water. It is time to walk on the water with Jesus! The good news is even if you begin to sink Jesus is there to take you by the hand and walk with you back to the boat.