Jesus comes to his disciples walking on the water (see Matthew 14:22–32). What an amazing sight that must have been. I personally have never seen anyone walk on water. It was a mighty miracle. But after the disciples started following Jesus, these types of things started to become common.
When Peter sees Jesus, he says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” In other words Peter asks Jesus about getting out of the boat. Peter sees Jesus walking on the water. Peter had seen the other miracles Jesus had performed. Now Peter asks Jesus if he could do the same.
Jesus tells Peter to come. So Peter gets out of the boat and starts walking on the water. Not only is Jesus now walking on the water. Peter is also walking on the water. This is what happens when you follow Jesus. The impossible becomes possible. You find yourself doing things you never even considered before.
On Saturday, I will be flying to Haiti with a team of 17 others. We will be doing construction work and medical work. We will also be running Vacation Bible School at three separate orphanages. I stand in amazement at how God is using our team in such an incredibly powerful way to literally give hope in places where there was no hope. We are part of something we would have never even considered except for the prompting of God.
Just as Peter was prompted by Jesus to get out of the boat, our trip has come at the prompting of God. We asked him how we might serve others and through a number of circumstances God led us to Haiti. The point I want to make is that if you have the calling, God will guide you. Peter had the heart to get out of the boat, and Jesus gave him the direction. If you ask God where to serve, he will show you where and how.
After Peter got out of the boat, he was walking on the water. Incredible! What an experience this must have been for Peter. But then he starts looking around. He hears the wind. He sees the waves. He becomes afraid. Doubt enters in!
The question I ask is: “what changed?” The wind and the waves were there before. He had the conviction to get out of the boat in the first place. Why does he start to go down only after he gets out?
The answer is Jesus. In the beginning Peter was so focused on Jesus. He watched in amazement as Jesus walked on the water. He calls out to Jesus. He heard Jesus calling back. He answers the call of Jesus. He walks on the water.
Once Peter is out on the water, he begins to look around. He notices just how crazy this all is. He might be thinking to himself how foolish he is. What person in their right mind would get out of a perfectly good boat to walk on the water in the middle of a storm? Do you see the difference? He lost sight of Jesus and began to focus on everything else.
How exciting the idea of going on a mission trip to Haiti sounded. Many would consider. A few would respond. Then the realities of it all began to set in. It meant raising several hundred dollars. It meant taking a week off with limited time off at work. It meant leaving family behind. It meant getting vaccinations and enduring needles. It meant giving up Saturday mornings for prep meetings. It meant taking the risks involved with traveling to a third world country. There is no doubt that there were many on our team who endured doubt along the way. I imagine they may still be thinking right now that this is a little crazy to be getting on a plane Saturday to do this.
If it was easy to get out of the boat, all of the disciples would have got out of the boat. If it was easy to go on a mission trip to Haiti, everyone would go. Whatever the work of God is for you, if it was easy, then everyone would be doing.
The truth is that the work of God takes courage and faith. The work of God goes beyond what is humanly possible. It is only accomplished through the strength and power that God gives. If we focus on what is impossible and improbable we will go down like Peter. But when we focus on Jesus, he will use us in ways we cannot even begin to imagine.
Linda Messamore says
Will be praying that God grant your team traveling mercies and gives you wisdom, protection, courage, revelation and guidance as you minister in Haiti.
Betty says
Safe travels , may the grace of our Lord and Savior be with you all.
Julie says
May God go with and keep you.