Walking on Water: Finding Courage to Face the Storms

Imagine you're out on a boat, in the middle of a vast lake, and suddenly a fierce storm whips up. The wind is howling, the waves are crashing, and fear is mounting. Then, out of nowhere, you see a figure walking towards you on the water, calm and composed amidst the chaos. That’s exactly what happened to the disciples one stormy night on the Sea of Galilee, and the person walking towards them was none other than Jesus.

The story, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, is not just a display of divine power but a profound lesson in faith and courage that resonates with us even today.

The Scene

The disciples were by themselves, struggling against the wind and waves. They were experienced fishermen, familiar with the unpredictability of the sea, yet here they were, totally overwhelmed. Into this scene of fear and desperation walks Jesus, and his first words were a reassurance: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

Peter’s Bold Request

Amidst the howling winds, Peter, ever the impulsive one, called out, "Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you on the water." When Jesus invited him to come, Peter stepped out of the boat and miraculously began walking on the water towards Jesus. But as soon as he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the wind, he was afraid and began to sink. He cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

The Message for Us

What does this story teach us today? Quite a lot, actually, about fear, faith, and focusing on what truly matters.

1. Facing Our Fears: Like the disciples, we often find ourselves tossed by the storms of life—be it financial worries, health scares, or personal failures. The story reminds us that it's okay to be scared, but it's not okay to let fear have the last word. Jesus’ presence brought peace in the middle of a literal storm, and his reach is not shortened by the storms we face today.

   
   

2. Stepping Out in Faith: Peter’s request to walk on the water was daring. It teaches us that faith involves stepping out, sometimes into the unknown, based on the assurances we have received. In life, taking that first step towards changing careers, starting a new relationship, or moving to a new city can feel like stepping out onto the water. The key is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our source of courage and direction.

   
   

3. Keeping Our Focus: Peter walked on water as long as he kept his focus on Jesus. The moment he diverted his attention to the wind and the waves, he began to sink. This vividly illustrates how easy it is to be overwhelmed when we focus on our problems rather than on solutions or support available to us. In our lives, maintaining focus on our goals and values can keep us steady through our personal and professional challenges.

   
   

4. Asking for Help: When Peter started sinking, he didn’t try to swim back; he asked for help. Often, we feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but it’s actually a mark of strength. It’s a recognition that we’re not alone, and like Peter, there’s a helping hand waiting when we call out.

You are not alone

The story of Jesus walking on water is not just an ancient narrative; it's a call to action. It invites us to trust more deeply, to not let fear dictate our actions, and to remember that we're not alone, even when the waves are crashing around us.

No matter the storm, with a little faith, we too can find our way through the winds and the waves. Let’s step out in faith, keep our focus, and never hesitate to reach out for the help we need. After all, if we do, we might just find ourselves walking on water.