Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1

Trying something new is always threatening. We have lots of dreams and draw plans for them, but most of them do not get off the drawing board. Fear of many things hold us back. Areas that suffer most include getting married, changing jobs, starting a new business, and responding to God’s call into full time ministry. The most debilitating of them all is accepting Christ for salvation. It threatens every aspect of life, and many are hesitant taking that step of faith.

Faith says, “I do not have it, but I can literally touch it. I do not see it, but I can certainly claim it is out there”. But fear responds, “What if” or “then what?” Fear simply immobilizes our faith. Peter’s water-walking experience may be helpful here (Matt. 14:22-34).

After the miracle of the feeding of five thousand, Jesus sends His disciples ahead of him on the lake. They are struggling to cross the lake because the wind is against them. In the middle of the night, Jesus comes out to their rescue, walking on the lake. The disciple tremble with fear, thinking they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus says to them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (25-27). Peter replies, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” A bold and extraordinary request! But an excellent demonstration of faith in his Teacher.

Peter’s request reveals his confidence that a command – a word – from Jesus has authority to make him walk on the water. Is he remembering the faith of the Centurion in Matthew 8:5-13? Be as it may, Peter steps out and walks on the water towards Jesus who has just commanded him to “Come” (29).

There were twelve disciples in the same situation, but only one of them had the unique experience of walking on the water because of his extraordinary faith. For that moment, there was no fear in Peter. So long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he experienced the impossible. That day, one man stood taller than everybody else because he dared attempt the impossible. Even though his faith sagged in the middle (30), no one can accuse Peter of not trying.

 That is all we must do – try. We will never see our miracle if we do not take the first step of faith. Inaction and doubt will stifle our miracle.

So, talk to God about your situation, wait and hear from Him, and boldly step out of ‘your boat’ and see yourself walking where no one has ever walked. And when you do, look to Him alone who has bid you, ‘come’ and not circumstances around you. You will never walk on water if you focus on the raging storm instead of on Jesus

May Jesus give you the courage and boldness to exercise your faith in Him to accomplish the impossible for His glory! Amen.