Walking on Water: A Lesson in Faith and Trust
**Walking on Water: A Lesson in Faith and Trust**
There are moments in life when the storms rage, the winds howl, and the waves threaten to overwhelm us. In those moments, it’s easy to feel like we’re sinking, like the weight of our circumstances is too much to bear. The story of Jesus walking on water, found in Matthew 14:22-33, is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of life’s storms, we can find peace and security when we keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s a story about faith, trust, and the incredible power of stepping out in obedience, even when the odds seem impossible.
### The Context of the Miracle
The story takes place shortly after one of Jesus’ most famous miracles: the feeding of the 5,000. After this incredible event, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of Him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee while He withdraws to a mountainside to pray. As night falls, the disciples find themselves in the middle of the sea, battling strong winds and rough waves. In the early hours of the morning, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water.
At first, the disciples are terrified, thinking they’re seeing a ghost. But Jesus reassures them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, always the impulsive one, responds, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus invites him, and Peter steps out of the boat, walking on the water toward Jesus. But when he takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Crying out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
### The Power of Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
At its core, this story is about faith and trust. Peter’s ability to walk on water wasn’t about his own strength or skill; it was about his focus on Jesus. When he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible. But when he shifted his focus to the storm around him, he began to sink.
This is such a profound lesson for us. In life, we often face storms—whether it’s a health crisis, financial struggles, relationship problems, or the weight of our own doubts and fears. In those moments, it’s easy to focus on the waves and the wind, to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of our circumstances. But this story reminds us that we don’t have to face the storms alone. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can find peace and strength, even in the midst of the chaos.
### The Invitation to Step Out in Faith
Peter’s decision to step out of the boat is a powerful example of what it means to live a life of faith. The boat, while not entirely safe in the storm, represented security and familiarity. Stepping out of it meant stepping into the unknown, trusting that Jesus would sustain him. This is the essence of faith: taking risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, and trusting that God will meet us in the midst of our obedience.
For many of us, the boat represents the things we cling to for security—our jobs, our relationships, our routines, or even our own abilities. But Jesus often calls us to step out of the boat, to trust Him in ways that don’t always make sense. It might mean forgiving someone who has hurt us, pursuing a dream that seems impossible, or simply choosing to trust God when everything in us wants to panic. Like Peter, we’re called to take that first step, even when the waves are high.
### The Reality of Doubt
Peter’s moment of doubt is something we can all relate to. One minute, he’s walking on water, defying the laws of nature. The next, he’s sinking, overwhelmed by fear. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t about never doubting; it’s about where we turn when we do doubt. Peter didn’t try to save himself; he cried out to Jesus, and Jesus immediately reached out to him.
This is such a comforting truth. We don’t have to have perfect faith to experience God’s power and presence. Even when we doubt, even when we falter, Jesus is there to catch us. His grace is greater than our fear, and His love is stronger than our failures. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
### The Storms We Face
The storm on the Sea of Galilee serves as a metaphor for the storms we face in life. These storms can take many forms:
- **Relational Storms:** Conflicts with loved ones, broken friendships, or the pain of betrayal.
- **Emotional Storms:** Anxiety, depression, grief, or the weight of past mistakes.
- **Physical Storms:** Illness, injury, or the challenges of aging.
- **Spiritual Storms:** Doubt, fear, or feeling distant from God.
In the midst of these storms, it’s easy to feel like we’re drowning, like the waves are too big and the wind is too strong. But the story of Jesus walking on water reminds us that He is greater than any storm we face. He is with us in the boat, and He is with us on the waves. We don’t have to face the storms alone.
### Lessons for Us Today
The story of Jesus walking on water offers timeless lessons for us today. It’s a call to faith, a reminder of God’s presence, and an invitation to step out in obedience. Here are a few key takeaways:
#### 1. **Keep Your Eyes on Jesus**
When we focus on our circumstances, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we can find peace and strength, even in the midst of the storm. As the writer of Hebrews says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
#### 2. **Step Out in Faith**
Faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and take risks. Like Peter, we’re called to trust Jesus, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. This might mean pursuing a new opportunity, mending a broken relationship, or simply choosing to trust God in a difficult situation.
#### 3. **Don’t Be Afraid to Cry Out for Help**
When Peter began to sink, he didn’t try to save himself; he cried out to Jesus. In the same way, we don’t have to face our struggles alone. When we feel like we’re sinking, we can cry out to Jesus, and He will be there to catch us.
#### 4. **Remember That Jesus Is Greater Than the Storm**
No matter how big the waves or how strong the wind, Jesus is greater. He is with us in the storm, and He has the power to calm the waves and bring us to safety. As the psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
#### 5. **Trust in God’s Timing**
The disciples were in the boat for hours before Jesus came to them. In the same way, we often have to wait for God’s timing. But even in the waiting, He is with us, working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
### A Call to Trust and Obey
The story of Jesus walking on water is a call to trust and obey. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t about having all the answers or never doubting; it’s about keeping our eyes on Jesus, even when the waves are high. It’s about stepping out in obedience, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And it’s about crying out to Jesus when we feel like we’re sinking, knowing that He will always be there to catch us.
If you’re in the midst of a storm today, take heart. Jesus is with you in the boat, and He is with you on the waves. Keep your eyes on Him, step out in faith, and trust that He will bring you through the storm. And as you experience His peace and presence, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your story, and let His light shine through you.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God” (Isaiah 43:2-3).