Immediately after this, 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. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
Matthew 14:22-36 NLT
Don't refuse the power of God. This story shows that the amazing power of Christ can be experienced in a human life. Jesus walked on water; no one had ever done that before! Peter became the second person to accomplish the feat because the power of Christ was inside of him. But then he began to sink because he focused on the wind and waves rather than on Christ, the source of all true power. Yet this wasn’t a complete failure—at least he had gotten out of the boat!
Too often we refuse God’s power because we are afraid. We reassure ourselvesthat Jesus wants us to possess safe faith devoid of faith risks; this kind of faith remains in the boat, never experiencing a miracle. The excuse of the disciples: they could say it was a dark, stormy night—not a good time to walk on water. All Peter wanted was to be closer to Christ. He asked Jesus to command him to come; Jesus did, and Peter did the impossible. Accepting Christ’s power IS scary; this is why He says, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” Get out of the boat and do amazing things with His power.
Where in your life do you need God’s power? What does it mean for you to get out of the boat?
