Matthew 14:28

New International Version (NIV)

 

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

 

For Meditation

When we remember Peter’s sea-walking experience, we usually recall the sinking disaster. We focus on the ‘looking away from Jesus’ moment and forget one key lesson from the episode.

Peter did not just walk on the water. He dares ask the Master. There were the other disciples in the boat with him. They all saw the figure walking on the water that night (Matthew 14:26), thought it was a ghost, and were terrified (26). The Master’s assuring words: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid” (27) went to them all, but none ventured to do what Peter did. He asked Jesus to bid him come on the water if it was Him (28).

Peter’s boldness set him apart from the rest of the disciples in their moment of fear. It earned him the sole honor of being the only human to have walked on water. His faith, whichever way you look at it, was extraordinary. Peter audaciously pushed the boundaries of faith and did the impossible. Faith is bold when it apprehends the nature and capability of its object.

More commendable was Peter’s step of faith from the boat onto the water, walking towards Jesus (Matthew 14:29). Because he was courageous to ask, he received extraordinary faith (29) to step out of the boat onto the angry sea.

How about you? Can you take courage, dare ask Jesus for the impossible, and step into uncharted territories for His glory?

Though your situation may be as dark as the night Peter walked on the rough sea (24-25), do not doubt the ability of Jesus to release enough faith in you to do the unthinkable.

Never think this is old-time faith and not realistic in our time. Remember, Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8)? So do not allow fear of the unknown to cripple you, even when God has given you all the promises and assurances in Christ (Jn. 14:12; 11:40; 16:23-24; 17:11; Heb. 13:5-6,).

Be bold in your prayers and dare ask God for the impossible in Jesus’ name. Although His sovereignty determines what He grants, one day you might deeply regret not daring to ask like the older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:28-31).

 

Prayer

Father, please help us never hold back from asking from you, but be audacious and fervent on our knees. Amen.