Have you ever been in one of those situations where you aren’t sure what to do? We can pray for hours, days, weeks and years; we can look for an answer in God’s Word, and still, the answer doesn’t seem apparent. Sometimes, when we don’t hear or see an answer from God, we are to wait. “Be still and know that I am God,” comes directly to mind! We also know that God’s three answers to prayer are, “Yes,” “No,” and “Not now!” Yet sometimes, we need to step out in faith!
Peter often acted rashly, before he thought. Many Bible scholars speak of Peter as, “open mouth, insert foot” or “he of the foot-shaped mouth.” We all know exactly how that feels. Though Peter often erred in his actions, his heart was courageous. When the crowd of armed officers of the Pharisees came to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest Jesus, Peter pulled out a sword and sliced off the ear of Malchus! He loved the Lord more than his own life, but Jesus healed the ear of Malchus, as God had more important tasks for Peter to complete. That included writing part of the New Testament! Peter was a courageous man. We also see that courage when Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee. Only Peter had the faith to step out of the boat and walk toward the Lord. Yet Peter doubted and needed the Lord to rescue him.
We see two categories of people in this event, those who act without thought and those so busy considering what to do that they fail to act. Who had the greatest blessing that day? Was it Peter, who tried to walk on water like the Lord, and actually did for a few moments before failing? Or was it the other disciples, sitting on the sideline, just watching? When we keep our eyes upon Jesus and look full in His wonderful face, we will not fall. Yet anytime we focus on the world and not on our precious Lord, the world will devour us! With your eyes on the Prize, you can do mighty things! Yet, never forget, that involves stepping out of the boat. If you remain in the boat, you are not stepping out in faith to see what the Lord will do in your life.
God gives each of us at least one spiritual gift, and along with that, a ministry. You can’t use the gift or fulfill the ministry entrusted to you by sitting in the boat! It might feel like a safe place, but waves can capsize a boat just as easily! Take a step from your comfort zone and let the Lord stretch you!
And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 14:29-30 (NKJV)
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