“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
Matthew 14:29
Jesus will never call you to a place that he hasn’t been to himself. When he calls his loved ones to a responsibility, task or mission, it’s because he’s been there. No matter how rough the waters, no matter how strong the winds, Jesus promises, “I will be with you (Isaiah 41:10a).” Before Jesus calls Peter to the extraordinary act of walking on water; to the extraordinary act of doing that which, no other human person had ever done, Jesus can be found walking on that lake, during the fourth watch of the night, alone, and certain only of one thing, God’s divine Presence.
In Matthew 14:29 he calls out to Peter, saying “Come,” and Peter gets out of the boat and walks toward Jesus. It all seems so easy, doesn’t it? In reality, it certainly is not. It is a stomach churning, heart-stopping chaotic scene. The boat that the disciples are in, is being buffeted by the waves because the wind is against it (vs. 24) and the water’s surface is uncertain. The only thing that Peter is confident of in that moment, is Jesus’ Presence. As long as Peter is looking at Jesus, he is able to walk on the surface of the water, but the moment he takes his eyes off Jesus, and notices the wind, he begins to sink, he gives in to fear, and he begins to cry out, “Lord, save me! (Matthew 14:30)” But where does he expect to go? Back to that rocky boat?
Today, Jesus continues to call out to his children, saying, “Come!” Leave that rocky boat behind. You yourself may have heard his call to a responsibility, task or mission, but as you walk in it, the path to your destiny appears uncertain. The physical, mental, emotional, social and financial winds may even be against you. Perhaps like Peter, you find yourself gazing at the buffeting winds and the chaos around you, and you are becoming afraid and disheartened. Your faith is beginning to sink. Maybe you are longing for what you left behind.
Look up dear one! That’s exactly where the devil wants you to be, BUT God wants you to make it over to the other side. So, fight the fear; fight the uncertainty; use the weapon that works every time, God’s own Word. God says, “…do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus has been there, he knows its scary, and uncertain, but once again he promises, “I will be with you.” May his Presence and his strength, surround you today, and always as you tread that uncertain but ordained path toward him, and your ultimate destiny.
Holy Spirit, you are my helper, my strength and my counsellor, guide me on this journey toward my Savior. Banish my fear and give me the bold confidence to make it through to my destiny which is already assured through Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. Amen.