Do you sense that God has a great task for you to accomplish?  I find that many people have a desire to make a God given difference in this world.  If we have a desire to make a difference, then why do we at times feel stuck?  A primary reason is that we don’t want to leave our comfort zone (see Comfort Zones and Learning).

Peter learned this lesson in a dramatic way.  Jesus had finished teaching His disciples and He sent them away in a boat to go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.  Has you ever been sent on a mission by Jesus?   Sometimes we don’t understand why He is sending us away and sometimes we don’t want to go, but the disciples obeyed.

So what was their reward for obedience?  The Gospel writer reveals the challenges they encountered,

But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.  (Matthew 14:24)

Notice the hardships the disciples were facing for listening to Jesus,

1. We see that the boat was already a long distance from the land and it was night time – that can be a lonely feeling.
2. We see that they were battered by the waves – they were tired and wet.
3. To make matters worse, the wind was contrary. They were probably not very happy about this trip. If the song Sloop John B would have been recorded no doubt they would have been singing, “This is the worst trip I’ve ever been on.”

If you encounter adversity it may not indicate you’re out of God’s will – it may mean God wants to teach you a deeper lesson (although Peter would discover that this lesson would be over his head).  The disciples learning would be intensified as a figure was walking toward them in the middle of the sea and they became terrified.

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  (Matthew 14:27)

The phrase “take courage” comes from the word θαρσέω (tharseō), which occurs seven times in the New Testament and is spoken only by Jesus and it is used only in the Imperative Mood.  What is a situation that you’re facing and you sense that God is asking you to take courage and overcome your fear?

Casting fate to the wind,  Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”   Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  Can you imagine his reaction?  Peter had been a fisherman all his life and now he was doing the impossible.  He took his eyes off Jesus however,

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”   (Matthew  14:30)

Now that was a heartfelt prayer – can you identify with Peter?

Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”  (Matthew 14:31)

There are times in our lives when we take our eyes off Jesus and it’s a comfort to know that He is there as we cry out to Him.  Peter learned that if you want to walk on water then you’ve got to get out of the boat and keep your eyes on Jesus.  The disciples learned that Jesus was more than an ordinary man,

When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.  And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”  (Matthew 14:32-33)

Have you learned the lesson that nothing is too difficult for Jesus?  If He calls you to get out of the boat keep your eyes on Him – He will be there for you.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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