Walking on Water
Walking on Water, by Ivan Aivazovsky (1888)
First shared in the 20 July 2022 Newsletter
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
I've often read this passage and focused on Peter's stepping out on the water which is a tremendous feat in itself, but lately I've been amazed by his sinking. Would it not have been more fitting to have doubted before he stepped on the water? How did he have enough faith to step out of the boat but not to remain there? How come Peter doubts then? What was it about the wind? How interesting that Peter doubted when he was in most proximity to Jesus.
Let's take a look at the whole scene. Peter has been asked not only to step out of the boat but most importantly to stay outside the boat. For anyone, but especially Peter, this is a tremendous act of Faith. Peter, a well seasoned fisherman, knows the water and the wind better than anyone else. He knows the power of the wind how quickly it can take his life at sea. His safety is in his boat. He knows what needs to happen within his boat in order to stay safe on the sea. He knows what to do with when winds come. Peter is totally self-reliant and in control in his boat.
My friend, Jesus was asking no small thing of Peter. Jesus was asking Peter to see Jesus' power even through what Peter knew to be impossible in both intellect and experience. Peter knew the wind and the sea like the back of his hand and knew the only thing that awaited outside his boat was death. It's worthy to ponder our Lord's heart in this moment..
"Peter, you know the wind, you know the sea, and you know your boat but now I want you to know Me. To really know me. To experience me physically, mentally, emotionally, supernaturally, in a real and in a new way. But I need you to let go of control, of what you knew, of who you were. My dear brother, let me make you new."
Perhaps you're in a season where much of what you knew does not make sense anymore. Where you're at our wits end trying to understand what is happening or what isn't happening. Maybe you've had sincere disappointments. You've had faith and yet it doesn't seem enough. There is fear, anxiety, terror, dismay. You have seen Jesus , you have touched him, you have loved him, but maybe you are sinking.
Take courage, He has a great gift in the midst of this storm right now. Look to him. Extend your hand and cry out, "My Lord, and my God. Please save me."
He is doing something new in you.
Be not afraid.
xx Mariana