Peter walked on water.
And then he didn’t.
It’s an oft-told story, even by some not familiar with scripture. A storm was raging. The disciples saw Jesus walking across the lake and thought he was a ghost. They cried out in fear.
Hear this story from The Message, Matthew 14:
Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. “A ghost!” they said, crying out in terror.
But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come ahead.”
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”
Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”
The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”
Oh, the many times I test the waters with boldness! I ask God to call me, believing that in His power I can accomplish anything. I want so much to be where He is. I reach out my hand and say “if this call is really from you, prove it.”
He does and I set my eyes on Him. Fearlessly, courageously, I jump out of the boat, taking the first brave steps that I know will bring me closer to Him.
But then….
Mid-step, even with my eyes still on my trusted Master, I stumble. It isn’t God I doubt. It’s me. I lose my nerve and fall, tumbling into churning depths that, just moments ago, I denied could engulf me.
The voice of God's Son still rings in my ears. Why does my own voice echo louder? Share on XThe voice of God’s Son still rings in my ears. Why does my own voice echo louder?
“Who do you think you are?”
“You’re not enough.”
“This isn’t your time.”
“Others can do it better.”
“You’ll never reach the goal.”
This story from scripture — which I take to be true because I believe these are the inerrant words of God — challenges the limitations I put on myself. I heed His call, with my eyes still on the Caller. In obedience, I purpose to use the gift of words that He has given me. But on a day when storms are raging, I fear and fall into the depths of doubt.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“Faint-heart, what got into you?” Yes, I am faint of heart. At times I live as if I have little faith — in myself and in God. But doubt is not defeat. He called me, He will go with me. His hand is there, reaching out to set me aright.
“The climax of the story” says Bible scholar D.A. Carson, “is not the stilling of the storm, but the confession and worship of the disciples.”
May this be the climax of my story. God promises — the storms will calm, the winds will die down. He will be there, waiting with an outstretched hand.
And I will confess and worship. He is the Son of God, for sure!
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Life stories knit us together, whether to family or to others who just need to know they are not alone. In these 31 days of October, I have been exploring the importance of STORY. You can read all 31 days HERE by following the links. And, you can read blogs from other writers taking the #Write31Days challenge by visiting the website HERE
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