Self-preservation is a strong instinct. When waves lap over the bow and wind batters my ship, human nature urges me to hunker below deck. Stepping out within the storm wouldn’t even cross my mind. But this is exactly what the apostle Peter did. Were Peter’s actions simply a moment of impulsiveness? Or is there more we can glean from this story to help us weather our storms today?
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.
Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from the land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Matthew 14:22-29 NIV
In the midst of the storm, Peter left the relative safety of the boat and walked toward Jesus on the water. Impulsive or not, this was a bold decision. It was not based on a whim but on a history of trust in Jesus–the one Peter would soon declare as Messiah and Lord.
By this time, all the disciples had witnessed numerous miracles and healings. Just before this passage, Jesus had fed 5,000 with only three loaves and two fish. So, it’s not surprising that Peter trusted Jesus to keep him above the waves. He’d seen much greater wonders and knew what Jesus could do. Only when he took his eyes off Jesus, did Peter begin to sink in the water.
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.
Matthew 14:29-32 NIV
Only after stepping within the storm, did Jesus reach out to lift Peter above the waves. A miracle happened when Peter had the courage to put his faith to the test. Yes, he sank, but Jesus saved him in spite of his doubts. How much more will Jesus hold us up within our storms if we choose to face them with the courage he places within our heart?
By no means, am I insinuating that Peter and the other disciples in the presence of Jesus didn’t experience fear. In fact, the passage from Matthew states they were terrified. It wouldn’t be necessary for the Bible to repeat the command, “don’t be afraid,” over and over if fear weren’t a common human emotion.
God-given courage doesn’t eliminate fear but helps us master it.
Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear–not absence of fear. Except a creature be part coward it is not a complement to say it is brave: it is merely a loose misapplication of the word.
Mark Twain
Our world is caught in the midst of a severe hurricane season. The storms of war, natural disasters, and pandemics swirl around us with increasing terror. Strong waves threaten to capsize all I thought stable in my own personal life. I’m struggling with the sudden loss of my husband’s father and my parent’s ongoing health issues. As I look around, I see no reasonable way forward.
But Jesus beckons me to take his hand, stepping out within the storm. And he does the same for you. Whatever fear is holding you back, allow his strong arm to lift you from the waves.
“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NIV
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