​Walking on Water: Lessons in Faith, Community, and Courage

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on water? To defy the laws of nature and step out onto a liquid surface with unwavering confidence? While physically impossible for us, there's a powerful spiritual lesson hidden within this concept that can transform our faith journey.

The story of Jesus walking on water, found in Matthew 14:22-33, is more than just a demonstration of divine power. It's an invitation to examine our own faith, our place in community, and our willingness to step out in courage when God calls us.

Let's dive into this familiar story with fresh eyes and open hearts.

The Setting: A Stormy Night

Picture this: A group of disciples, exhausted from a day of ministry, are sent out onto the Sea of Galilee by Jesus. As night falls, the wind picks up, and waves begin to batter their small boat. They're far from shore, struggling against the elements, and probably wondering why Jesus sent them into this situation.

Sound familiar? How often do we find ourselves in stormy seasons of life, feeling distant from safety and comfort, wondering why God has allowed us to enter such turbulent waters?

But here's the key: Jesus had instructed them to get into the boat. They were exactly where He wanted them to be, even if it didn't feel comfortable or safe.

A Ghostly Appearance

In the darkest hour of the night, just before dawn, a figure appears walking on the water towards the boat. The disciples, already on edge from battling the storm, are terrified. "It's a ghost!" they cry out in fear.

But then, a familiar voice cuts through their panic: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

It's Jesus, coming to them in their moment of need, in a way they never expected.

How often does God show up in our lives in unexpected ways? Are we too quick to dismiss His presence because it doesn't fit our preconceived notions?

Peter's Bold Request

This is where the story takes a fascinating turn. Peter, impulsive as ever, calls out: "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."

Jesus' response is simple yet profound: "Come."

With that single word, Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk on water towards Jesus. It's a moment of pure faith, of trusting Jesus' command more than the physical impossibility of what he's doing.

But then, reality sets in. Peter notices the wind, becomes afraid, and begins to sink. Crying out to Jesus, he's immediately rescued by the outstretched hand of his Savior.

Walking on Water: A Spiritual Blueprint

This story gives us a powerful blueprint for stepping out in faith:

1. Be in the right boat: We weren't meant to navigate life's storms alone. Being part of a community of believers – a church family – provides support, accountability, and shared purpose. Jesus is building His church, not isolated individuals.

2. Recognize Jesus as Lord: Peter addressed Jesus as "Lord" before asking to walk on water. Our journey of faith begins with surrendering to Christ's lordship over our lives.

3. Respond to Jesus' call: We can't walk on water by our own decision. It's only when Jesus says "Come" that the impossible becomes possible. Are we listening for His voice and ready to respond?

4. Keep trusting, even when afraid: Peter didn't sink because he saw the wind – he sank because he doubted. Fear is natural when stepping out in faith, but doubt can be paralyzing. The key is to keep our trust anchored in Jesus, even when circumstances look dire.

5. Cry out to Jesus when sinking: Peter's immediate response when sinking was to call out to Jesus for help. We have the same lifeline available to us in our moments of weakness.

6. Return to community: Notice that Jesus didn't calm the storm until both He and Peter were back in the boat with the other disciples. There's something powerful about weathering life's storms together in Christian community.

Lessons for Our Journey

This story challenges us on multiple levels:

• Are we in the right "boat"? Have we committed ourselves to a local church where we can grow, serve, and be accountable?

• Is Jesus truly Lord of our lives? Or do we simply want Him to calm our storms without surrendering control?

• Are we listening for Jesus' invitation to "come"? What impossible thing might He be calling us to step out and do?

• When we step out in faith, do we let fear and doubt overtake us? Or do we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus?

• If we find ourselves sinking, do we try to swim back to safety on our own, or do we immediately cry out to Jesus?

• Do we recognize the importance of Christian community in our spiritual growth and overcoming life's challenges?

The Power of "Lord, Save Me!"

Perhaps the most beautiful part of this story is Jesus' immediate response to Peter's cry for help. There's no hesitation, no lecture about lack of faith in that moment – just the strong hand of the Savior lifting Peter up.

We serve a God who is always ready to rescue us when we call on Him. Our cries of "Lord, save me!" never fall on deaf ears.

A Call to Courageous Faith

Walking on water isn't about defying physical laws – it's about having the courage to step out when Jesus calls, even when it seems impossible. It's about trusting His voice more than our fears. It's about being willing to leave the safety of the boat to experience the power of God in new ways.

What is your "walking on water" moment? What impossible thing is God inviting you to do? Maybe it's forgiving someone who's hurt you deeply. Perhaps it's pursuing a calling to ministry that seems far beyond your abilities. It could be taking a stand for your faith in a hostile environment.

Whatever it is, remember: when Jesus calls you to come, He makes the impossible possible. Keep your eyes on Him, trust His voice, and don't be afraid to cry out when you need help. And always remember the power of doing life together with other believers who can support you, encourage you, and celebrate with you as you grow in faith.

Are you ready to step out of the boat?