Scripture Reference:

Matthew 14:22-33. This story is also told in Mark 6:45-52 and John 6:16-21, however, the account of Peter walking on the water is not included in these references. Jesus Walks on Water - Story Summary:

After feeding the 5000, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him in a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. Several hours later in the night, the disciplesencounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. This terrifies the disciples who think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus tells them in verse 27, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter replies, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." So Jesus invites Peter to come. Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, he begins to sink. Peter cries out to the Lord and Jesus immediately reaches out his hand and catches Peter. As they climb into the boat together, the storm ceases. Then the disciples worship Jesus, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." Points of Interest from the Story: Jesus sends the disciples away so he can get alone on the mountainside and pray. Even in his busy schedule, spending time with God is a priority for Jesus. The disciples, even though they have spent much time with Jesus, don't recognize him in the storm. Sometimes we don't recognize the Lord when he comes to us in the middle of our "storms." Peter doesn't begin to sink until he starts looking around at the wind and the waves. Taking our eyes off Jesus, and focusing on the difficult circumstances will cause us to get under our problems. But when we cry out to Jesus, he catches us by the hand and raises us above the seemingly impossible surroundings. Peter starts out with good intentions, but his faith falters. This does not, however, end up in failure. Peter, even in his fear, cries out to the Lord, the only one who can help him. When Jesus gets in the boat, the storm ceases. When we have Jesus "in our boat" the storms of life will be calmed and we can worship Him. Question for Reflection:

Though we may not walk across water, we will go through difficult, faith-testing circumstances. Are you sinking into despair or are you looking to Jesus and his miraculous power for help?

Everything we read in the bible has application to our daily life. All scripture is given for our instruction, admonition and growth in righteousness. No less this story of Peter. We Christians often get ourselves in trouble in one of two ways: We are presumptuous in

our faith and try to get out of the boat before God has called us, or we are not trusting Him enough to ask and leave the boat when He calls.

Stay in the boat until God tells you to get out. Faith asks permission, so seek Gods will, not your own, and then wait on Him for the answer. Then put your trust in God and get out of the boat when He tells you to, but only as He leads. Biblical faith is obedient to God. Faith trusts God for His provision and grace to see us through; to firm up the water under our feet as we go. Faith doesnt insist on a roadmap first, to have it all spelled out before hand. Faith doesnt need to know how God is going to do it, only that He has said He would. The sure word of God is enough.

Walking on water begins with discipleship and communion with Christ. Peter asked, but he didnt ask for just anything. He didnt ask for the miracle power to walk on water. He asked to come out to Him. Christ was his goal, not to walk on water. The faith that walks on water isnt seeking for miracles, but desires Christ above all, to be with Him and to do His will. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Put Christ first in your life and make it your goal to please Him in all things. Make time for Him each day. Start by giving up those unnecessary time wasters most of us use to pass the time and amuse ourselves. For most of us, turning the TV off would free up plenty of time to get alone with our Bible and our Lord in order to draw closer to Him. Start with these few simple steps, and before long youll find yourself walking on water.