I Believe

Walking On Water

A/N: Another story of the disciples.... it seems like the disciples have so little faith, and yet, so much faith, especially Peter. I just want you to think for a minute after reading this though. Does the Lord ever tell you to keep your eyes on Him, to trust Him fully, and yet, you look down into those swirling waters in your life, and you doubt? You doubt that the Lord can keep you afloat, you doubt that He cares, you doubt so many things. And yet, all we need is faith. Because faith no bigger than a mustard seed can move a mountain.....

Matthew 12:22-33

Vs. 30. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

"Jesus should be here."

The complaint passed from disciple to disciple as the sea breeze rose to a boisterous wind. Waves crashed into the ship roughly, and all of Jesus' followers knew that a storm was nearing.

"He should not have sent us out here without him," one disciple announced.

The others immediately began debating whether or not they were safe.

"It does look like a storm.... see how the waves hit our ship."

"And it's well past evening too!"

"It will be impossible to see with the night sky added to the storm."

"Men!" John finally broke in. "Jesus is merely  sending the multitudes away! He would not have told us to cross to the other side unless he knew it was safe."

Jesus had sent his followers ahead of himself, commanding them to take a ship to the other side.... the Messiah himself was clearing the swelling crowds away. Thousands of people had gathered in order to hear this mysterious man called Jesus preach, or perhaps glimpse one of his amazing miracles.

Once John spoke, the rest of the disciples dropped their conversation and remained silent for several moments. They wondered just where they would meet Jesus once they arrived on the other side.

"Look!" Andrew cried out suddenly. He pointed to a spot farther out on the water, his finger shaking. A figure was moving, gliding, along the waters. There was almost a glow about it, and it gave the impression of a fine white linen brushing a wood floor.

The disciples shrank back involuntarily, fear etching every line on their faces.

"It is a spirit," one of the followers whispered.

The men cried out with horror, and in their fright, scrambled for the back of the boat. They almost missed the strong voice floating to them from across the waters.

"Be of good cheer, it is I.... be not afraid."

The disciples strained to get a glimpse of the figure's face in order to assure themselves that this was Jesus, but none of them made a move. Finally, Peter spoke.

"Lord, if it is really you, bid me to come out onto the water."

The man smiled.

"Come."

Peter took a deep breath and stepped off of the boat. He tried not to think about what he was doing, and he kept his eyes on the stranger's face. All at once, he felt himself walking on the surface of the water, waves lapping gently around his ankles.

"Jesus," he breathed.

He took another step, and another, and another.... a strange sensation came over him, unlike anything he had ever felt. He kept his gaze leveled on Jesus' face, and couldn't stop the broad smile spreading over his features. 

Then he looked down. The dark water was swirling, and no bottom could be seen. If he were to sink.... all at once, Peter felt the knife of doubt stab his heart and he was no longer walking on the water. He was sinking into the merciless, violent waters of the sea. He flailed violently and coughed up water.

"Lord, save me!" he cried.

Immediately, he felt a warm hand uplifting him. The disciples in the boat were staring in horror.

"O ye of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Peter wept when he heard Jesus' gentle voice question him but he did not answer.

Jesus kept hold of Peter until they were back on the ship. Immediately, the wind ceased. The rest of the disciples were still speechless, but not for long.

They rushed forward and bowed, worshipping Jesus. Peter, after sending up a quick prayer of forgiveness for his lack of faith, joined them, tears still streaming down his cheeks. They all joined together to declare one thing.

"Of a truth, you are the Son of God!"

Matthew 14:22-33

Vs. 31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?